Protests in Parachinar enter fourth day

PARACHINAR: The sit-in protest entered its fourth consecutive day on Wednesday as citizens continued to demand the reopening of blocked roads and a relief package for the over 500,000 residents affected by the prolonged siege in Kurram district.

Due to ongoing unrest in the region, major roads leading to and from Kurram have remained closed for the past five months, severely impacting daily life. Last month, a similar protest was temporarily called off after government assurances and the imposition of Section 144. However, as the situation remains unchanged, demonstrators have resumed their protest sit-in outside the Parachinar Press Club, calling for immediate action.

Addressing the protesters, social activists including Malik Zartaj, Musarrat Bangash, Agha Sarfaraz, Jalal Bangash, and Inayat stated that the sit-in would continue until the main road is reopened for public movement and a relief package is provided to the affected population. They warned that if the demands are not met, protests would expand to villages, and more roads would be blocked. The leaders also urged the government to provide compensation under the “martyr package” for over 500 people, including children, who have lost their lives due to the lack of medical access.

Trade Union President Haji Imdad Ali revealed that only 113 vehicles carrying essential food and supplies were allowed entry after a 15-day gap, whereas at least 1,000 trucks of supplies are urgently needed to meet the needs of the besieged population. Another social activist, Yousuf, pointed out that the fuel supply has been halted without any clear reason, causing petrol prices to soar between Rs1,200 and Rs1,500 per liter. As a result, roads remain deserted, and transportation has come to a standstill.