——– KP vows to restore peace in Kurrum
DM Monitoring
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information, Barrister Dr Saif, announced that consensus has been largely reached between parties involved in the Kurram dispute.
In a statement, Barrister Saif confirmed that negotiations in Kohat lasted late into the night. Both parties have agreed on major points, though one side has requested a two-day pause for consultation with their community.
He added that the Sunni faction had sought time to consult their leaders and public, which the Jirga had granted. The discussions would resume on Tuesday, following which the agreement would be finalised and signed.
Dr. Saif reiterated that per the Apex Committee’s decision, the removal of bunkers and weapons would be ensured. The provincial government was committed to a sustainable resolution for the century-old conflict.
He further stated that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the Grand Jirga’s efforts have brought the resolution close to fruition. “The Kohat Commissioner and the entire administration are working sincerely toward ending the dispute and establishing lasting peace.”
Barrister Saif also noted that the Chief Minister has allocated his helicopter for relief operations, facilitating the delivery of medicines and providing aerial services to the affected population.
Earlier, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif has said that a general consensus has been reached between the rival tribes in the Kurram peace jirga which continued through the night.
Providing details on the ongoing peace talks on Sunday, Barrister Saif said that the jirga would convene on Tuesday after the forum, via mutual consultation, decided to grant two days’ time to one of the parties who asked for more time for further discuss with its leaders on few points.
The development comes as major breakthrough, as reported by media, was claimed on Saturday in the ongoing peace negotiations with one of the tribes signing the agreement.
“All demands and proposals put forward have been accepted, and the Turi Bangash tribe has signed the agreement,” said Jalal Hussain Bangash, secretary of the Anjuman-e-Hussainia Association.
The progress in peace talks, underway at the Kohat Fort for two months under the supervision of GOC 9 Division Major General Zulfiqar Bhatti, aim to broker lasting peace between the warring tribes whose clashes have resulted in more than 130 fatalities since November.
The issue remains unresolved despite multiple truces announced during the past one year as elders from both sides strive to negotiate a lasting peace agreement.
The recent clashes have sparked a humanitarian crisis, with medicine and oxygen supplies running low, exacerbated by the closure of the main highway connecting Parachinar to Peshawar.
Reports indicate that over 100 children are feared dead due to a severe medicine shortage, though KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif has denied these claims.
Apart from the ongoing sit-in at the Parachinar Press Club, road closures in the district have also triggered protests in Karachi, which have now entered their sixth day today.
However, Bangash said that road supplies and other essential services would be restored soon as part of the agreement.
The district has been declared “disaster-hit” by the provincial government with authorities airlifting medical supplies to the area and evacuating people in critical need.
Underscoring that a consensus has been reached on all major points, Barrister Saif has said that the agreement would be signed once the consultation process has been culminated.
Bunkers would be abolished and the area would be de-weaponized as per the Apex Committee’s decision, the KP government spokesperson noted while reaffirming the government’s resolve to achieve a permanent and sustainable solution to the conflict dating back more than a century.
“The conflict is close to being resolved due to the efforts of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the grand jirga,” he remarked.
