PESHAWAR: The convoy carrying essential goods was dispatched to Kurram on Wednesday amid tight security. The convoy included 20 trucks and it was being guarded by a helicopter.
The convoy was dispatched to the restive region after peace agreement between the government and notables remained successful last night. As many as 10 trucks began the journey from Tal to Bagan area.
Similarly, 12 vehicles carrying essential goods were dispatched for Parachinar amid strict security.
The security forces including the police and FC were on high alert as the vehicles started the journey for the volatile region.
Earlier, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and his guard were injured in firing in Bagan area last week.
The incident took place soon after the first convoy carrying goods from Tal to Parachinar began journey following a peace agreement.
The vehicles carrying goods to Parachinar were later stopped following the firing on government convoy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari had condemned the incident which they described as an attempt to sabotage peace process.Earlier, The dawn of peace was witnessed in the restive Kurram as the first convoy carrying goods from Tal to Parachinar began journey on Saturday morning.
The convoy of vehicles carrying supplies, including food, departed Tal under police protection.
KP government’s Information Adviser Barrister Saif oversaw the departure of the convoy – days after local peace committees comprising tribal, political, and community elders pledged to restore peace in Kurram.
The committees comprising members of all sects promised to ensure safe passage for essentials to Parachinar and adjacent areas.
The peace agreement was finalised on Jan 1 as local leaders pledged to set aside personal and tribal disputes to ensure safety.
Kurram’s ongoing issues are primarily linked to local land and tribal conflicts, often mistakenly portrayed as sectarian violence. Commitments include disarming within 15 days and dismantling bunkers within a month. The peace committees comprise 27 members from Lower Kurram, including former MNA Pir Haider Ali Shah, and 48 members from Upper Kurram, led by ex-Senator Sajjad Hussain Turi.
On Friday, Barrister Saif said strict action would be taken against those who would carry out terror acts in Kurram. He said caravans would return to Kurram on Saturday under security of the KP government.
He also said that according to the peace agreement both parties would submit a concrete plan of action regarding submission of ammunition in 15 days and no one would be allowed to keep or buy arms, and build bunkers in Kurram. “Existing bunkers in the area will be demolished within a month and violators of peace agreement will be considered terrorists,” he reiterated. –Agencies
