Elders in Kurram demand immediate reopening of roads

PARACHINAR: Tribal elders in Kurram district have voiced concerns over the continued closure of key travel routes despite a peace agreement being reached between conflicting parties.

Speaking at an Eid Milan gathering in Parachinar, the leaders called on the government to act swiftly and reopen the roads that have been shut for over seven months.

The event, attended by notable figures, including former Senator Syed Abid Al-Hussaini, Principal Muhammad Hayat Khan, Allama Tajammul Hussain, Malik Syed Raza Hussain, Syed Ikhlaq Hussain, Haji Asghar Hussain, and Tehrik-e-Hussaini president Haji Younis Ali, emphasised the urgent need to address the suffering of local residents.

“While peace has been established between the disputing groups, the authorities have yet to reopen the blocked routes, depriving the public of access to food, healthcare, and other essential services,” said one of the speakers. “It is unjustifiable to keep these roads closed any longer,” he added.

The tribal elders urged the government to take into account the hardships faced by the people and to take immediate steps to ensure safe and free movement in the region. “Now that the parties have resolved their differences, the government must also play its part in restoring normalcy by lifting restrictions on public mobility,” said one of the leaders. The speakers warned that continued inaction could erode the fragile peace and increase public frustration. They stressed that reopening the roads was essential for long-term stability and the well-being of the people of Kurram tribal district.