High prices of commodities deepen Parachinar’s crisis

PARACHINAR: There seems to be no relief for the residents of Parachinar who are facing severe difficulties as prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed, forcing people to queue in long lines for basic items.

A 20-kg tin of ghee is now priced at Rs. 11,000, while 50 kg of sugar costs Rs. 10,000. Vegetables have also become unaffordable, with tomatoes selling at Rs. 600 per kg, onions at Rs. 400, potatoes at Rs. 250, and green chilies at Rs. 800 per kg. Fruits are similarly overpriced, with oranges priced at Rs. 800 per dozen and lemons at Rs. 600 per kg.

Limited traffic has resumed on the Parachinar-Tall main road, and a convoy of 35 vehicles recently brought supplies to Kurram.

Relief goods in 10 vehicles were distributed to Bagan’s affected residents, while supplies were also sent to border villages like Tari Mangal, Maqbal, and Bushara.

However, only a few trucks and small vehicles carrying essential items reached Parachinar. As soon as these vehicles arrived, citizens formed long queues to get their commodities.

Chickens and poultry stocks were immediately sold out, with reports suggesting that many of the transported birds were found dead.

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Poor residents are struggling to afford these essentials. Many have been left without food supplies, reflecting the dire state of the district.

Haji Imdad Hussain, president of the local trade union, criticised the inadequate supply, stating that the limited vehicles are insufficient for a population exceeding 400,000. He emphasisedpar that at least 500 trucks are needed to address the shortfall.

Residents of Gudar village, home to over 200 households, claim they have yet to receive any relief goods. “We have left our homes just like others and deserve help too,” pleaded Haji Zamin, a Gudar resident.

The trade union highlighted an urgent need for medicines, LPG, and fuel in Parachinar. It called on authorities to dispatch vehicles carrying these essentials to the region.

Deputy Commissioner Kurram, Ashfaq Khan, assured that efforts are underway to ensure peace and stability in the district. He promised strict action against miscreants and pledged to implement all 14 points of the recent peace agreement signed in Kohat.