2024

Exchange

Tax

Cars

Kurram: seven including DC injured during firing in Bagan


KURRAM: Deputy Commissioner Javaidullah Mehsud among seven others have been injured as security forces accompanying convoy transporting aid to Parachinar came under attack of unknown extremists in Bagan on Saturday.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barri­ster Muhammad Ali Saif, Mehsud has been shifted to Tehsil Alizai hospital. He is now being taken to Peshawar through a helicopter for better medical assistance.

The convoy enroute Parachinar to provide assistance to dwellers under siege for nearly three months, has now come to a halt owing to the security circumstances. The rival groups had inked an agreement to open the road on January 1.

Shedding light on the details, Barrister Saif said that he was present at the site of the incident because he was supervising the convoy’s journey: “The situation is under control, and security agencies are on alert. Those who carried out the attack are enemies of the peace agreement.”

Condemnations pour in:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the 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.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also echoed the words of the PM and directed action against those harming peace efforts in Kurram: “Mischievous elements want to spread chaos. The public should not let these elements succeed in their nefarious objectives.”

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

He characterised the attack as “a deliberate but failed attempt to sabotage government efforts for peace in Kurram.”

The Chief Minister 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.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the incident, sending wishes for the injured commissioner.

“This attack by extremists is to sabotage the peace agreement in Kurram,” he said.

Also read: Kurram grand jirga: rival parties sign peace agreement

Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attack stating that it reflects poorly on the authorities: “The firing on the convoy shows the utmost failure of the provincial government to secure the convoy carrying aid.”

The convoy comprising 75 trucks carrying food, medicine, cooking gas and other essential items had left for Parachinar today (Saturday). Barri­ster Muhammad Ali Saif arrived in Kohat earlier to supervise the movement alongside Commissioner Kohat, DIG Kohat, and police officials. The convoy would then be followed by another convoy transporting residents to their homes.

“The people of Kurram have been facing a severe shortage of essential items due to the ongoing blockade,” said Barrister Saif, adding that the convoy was a step towards addressing their immediate needs.

The hope seemed short-lived as the convoy has been stopped altogether till the security situation improves.

You May Also Like