A second convoy carrying essential food supplies is set to leave from Thall for Kurram on Tuesday, consisting of 45 cargo vehicles. The convoy will transport vital items, including food, medicines, vegetables, fruits, and other supplies, to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to the district administration, the convoy will depart after the route is cleared. However, local tribal leaders have raised concerns, stating that the supplies from the convoy, which includes over 40 trucks, are insufficient to meet the needs of the large population in Kurram and have called for more provisions to be sent.
This convoy follows the first supply shipment, which reached Parachinar last week after nearly three months of delays. The situation in the area has been dire, with a critical shortage of medicines and essential supplies exacerbated by tribal conflicts that have led to the deaths of over 200 individuals since July 2024. Extended road closures have further intensified the crisis, affecting Kurram’s population of over 600,000 residents.
The latest convoy’s departure coincided with the signing of a peace agreement between two conflicting tribes last Wednesday. The 14-point agreement aims to restore order in the region, including provisions for the surrender of weapons and the dismantling of bunkers.
Despite the arrival of much-needed aid, Parachinar continues to experience severe disruptions. A shutter-down strike is currently underway in the town, with all markets and shops closed in protest. Medical stores and private hospitals are also shut due to a shortage of medicines, as reported by the Young Doctors Association.
The prolonged road closures have had a significant impact on the community, with social leader Asadullah stating that hundreds of overseas visas and tickets have been wasted due to the transportation blockages. Educational institutions, including schools, have also been closed for the past three months, further deepening the challenges faced by residents.
In addition, sources indicate that over fifty individuals who passed away during this period have been buried in Hangu and other regions due to the inability to transport them outside the area.
Efforts to open the routes and provide relief to the affected population are ongoing. Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed confirmed that “various measures are underway” to restore access and assist those in need.
