PESHAWAR / KURRAM: In response to violent clashes that have left more than 100 people dead since October, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has developed a comprehensive peace plan for the Kurram district. The plan includes the establishment of a special security force, checkpoints, de weaponization, and a crackdown on inflammatory social media.
The announcement comes after a cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, discussed the measures. On the same day, two individuals traveling to Parachinar were shot and decapitated by unknown assailants in the Bagan area of Kurram.
To curb violence, the KP government will raise a special force to secure the Parachinar highway, with temporary checkpoints set up initially and permanent posts planned for the future. A total of 399 personnel will be recruited for this purpose, and the road will be reopened after a peace agreement between the conflicting groups.
The cabinet also discussed the decision of the apex committee to confiscate all illegal weapons in the area by February 1. A special desk will be established at the provincial home department to issue arms licenses on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, all bunkers in Kurram will be demolished by the same date.
In an effort to control the spread of sectarian hatred, the government will launch a crackdown on individuals using social media to incite violence. A dedicated cell from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be set up to block social media accounts involved in such activities.
Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized that the violence in Kurram was the result of a conflict between two local groups, not militancy. He stated that while the local population desired peace, some elements were working to destabilize the region by spreading sectarian hatred. Gandapur also highlighted the widespread presence of illegal weapons and reiterated that the government would not tolerate armed groups possessing heavy weapons.
The government has involved jirgas (tribal councils) at various levels to mediate and find a lasting solution to the issue. Essential commodities, including medicines, have been sent to Kurram using government helicopters, which have so far transported 220 people. The cabinet also approved the release of subsidized wheat to address the food shortage, allocating Rs47.11 million for 1,119 metric tonnes.
Regarding security operations, the CM mentioned the possibility of a military operation in the Jani Khel area of Bannu district and the Tirah area of Khyber district but clarified that no decision had been made yet.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee, which convened on Friday, decided that temporary evacuations would take place in parts of Khyber and Bannu districts to ensure the safety of residents and clear areas of miscreants.
