The ongoing tribal clashes in Kurram have claimed 12 more lives and injured 17 on the ninth day of violence, police reported on Friday. Despite a recent ceasefire agreement, hostilities continue, raising the death toll to 122 and the injured count to 168.
The district administration confirmed that the main Peshawar-Parachinar highway remains blocked for the eighth consecutive day, severely impacting daily life and trade activities. Trade at the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan has also been halted, compounding economic losses for the region.
Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud stated that the tense situation has necessitated the suspension of internet and mobile phone services, further isolating residents and disrupting communication and essential services.
Violence began on November 21 with ambushes on two police-escorted convoys, resulting in 52 deaths. The clashes have since intensified despite a 10-day ceasefire brokered earlier this week. Sporadic violence has rendered the truce ineffective.
The district administration and police are working with a jirga comprising elders from Hangu, Orakzai, and Kohat to negotiate peace. “Both parties have agreed to a ceasefire, and efforts are underway to prevent further clashes,” Mehsud said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan highlighted ongoing instability in the region, recording 79 fatalities between July and October 2024. Previous mediation attempts, including a seven-day truce earlier this month, have failed to hold.
A high-powered delegation, including KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, had also attempted to negotiate peace last weekend. However, violence resumed shortly afterward, underscoring the challenges of restoring stability in Kurram.
