Initial probe finds 40-50 gunmen ambush convoy, injure Kurram DC

KURRAM: Deputy Commissioner Javaidullah Mehsud among seven others were attacked by 40-50 armed miscreants when they were negotiating to open the road leading to Parachinar as part of the peace agreement signed Wednesday.

This was revealed in the preliminary report compiled by the law enforcement agencies after the attack on the convoy of trucks carrying food and medicine supplies to Kurram, which had been besieged for more than 80 days at the hands of a tribal-cum-sectarian violence in the area.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, whhile strongly denouncing the incident, had demanded an immediate report from senior officials: “Such an incident after the Kurram peace agreement is extremely regrettable and condemnable.”

According to the report, the government negotiation team headed by DC Mehsud was negotiating to open the road and let the convoy pass as per the peace deal.

Under the peace agreement, a convoy of 75 trucks loaded with medicines, food, vegetables and fruits, among other items, was to reach Kurram today (Saturday).

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Five of the trucks are carrying medicines followed by nine carrying oil and ghee, five loaded with wheat and flour, seven carrying sugar, two taking gas cylinders, 10 carrying vegetables, while 26 are carrying other utility items.

The convoy departed from Peshawar for Kurram on Friday, and made a stop at the border between Thall and Kurram before proceeding towards Parachinar today morning (Saturday)   . 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barri­ster Muhammad Ali Saif arrived in Kohat earlier to supervise the movement alongside Commissioner Kohat, DIG Kohat, and police officials. The first convoy would have followed by another transporting resident to their homes.

According to the initial probe, the convoy was attacked at 10:35 am, despite the guarantees of the peace committees formed as part of the peace agreement in a bid to restore normalcy in Kurram. The committees comprise of tribal elders, former lawmakers, and local leaders and they would ensure that the recently signed peace agreement remains intact.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the firing incident, stressing that an attempt had been made to thwart the peace agreement: “We will not let the enemies of humanity succeed in disrupting peace and order. The government and security forces are actively working against terrorists.”

Ali Amin Gandapur promised strict legal action against those involved in the firing. “This incident is the work of elements who don’t want peace restoration in Kurram,” he said, adding that the peace agreement between parties proves that the people of Kurram are peace-loving and desire stability in their area.

“Some miscreants don’t want peace restoration in Kurram, but their efforts will not succeed,” Gandapur emphasised. He assured that the provincial government, in cooperation with local elders, will continue its efforts until complete peace is restored to the area.