Kurram Jirga
PESHAWAR: Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, announced that a general consensus has been reached between the rival tribes in Kurram during the ongoing peace jirga.
The jirga, which has been in session for several days, continued through the night, reflecting the commitment of both parties to resolving their longstanding conflict.
Barrister Saif provided updates on the peace talks on Sunday, confirming that the jirga would reconvene on Tuesday. This decision follows the mutual agreement to grant additional time to one of the parties, allowing them two extra days to consult with their leaders on specific issues.
This latest development marks a significant breakthrough in the peace negotiations. A major milestone was achieved on Saturday, with one of the tribes—the Turi Bangash tribe—signing an agreement, as confirmed by Jalal Hussain Bangash, the secretary of the Anjuman-e-Hussainia Association.
All demands and proposals put forward in the negotiations have been accepted, and the tribe’s formal agreement indicates that a resolution is within reach.
The peace talks, which have been taking place at Kohat Fort for the past two months under the supervision of Major General Zulfiqar Bhatti, aim to broker a lasting peace between the warring tribes of Kurram, whose recent clashes have led to more than 130 fatalities since November.
Despite multiple truces being declared in the past year, the conflict has remained unresolved, with efforts to broker peace often interrupted.
The latest round of violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, as shortages of medicine and oxygen have worsened, especially after the main highway between Parachinar and Peshawar was closed.
Reports suggest that over 100 children may have died due to the lack of medical supplies, although these claims were denied by the KP government.
In response to the ongoing crisis, road supplies and essential services are expected to be restored soon as part of the peace agreement. The provincial government has also declared Kurram a “disaster-hit” district and has airlifted medical supplies while evacuating individuals in critical need.
Barrister Saif confirmed that all major points of the peace agreement have been settled, and the final signing will occur once the consultation process is completed.
The government’s commitment to de-weaponizing the area and dismantling bunkers, as per the Apex Committee’s decision, further underscores their resolve to achieve a sustainable and lasting resolution to this century-old conflict.
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