Kurram lockdown: Karachi protests conclude as Jirga meets today

KARACHI: Protests being held at six locations in Karachi, against the prolonged lockdown in Kurram, Parachinar have been wrapped up. The protestors had been demanding opening of the main roads connecting Kurram with neighbouring cities.

The protest sit-in on Shara-e-Pakistan at Ancholi has ended, Traffic Police officials told media on Tuesday morning. Likewise, the protest at Five Star Chowrangi, on Nawab Siddique Ali Khan Road, and at Johar Mor and Johar Chowrangi have also ended, the Traffic Police said.

Also read: One party seeks two-day time before final deal on Kurram dispute: Barrister Saif

The sit-in being held at Shamsuddin Azimi Road in Surjani Town has also been wrapped up, along with the protests at Abbas Town.

One main protest sit-in is still continuing, at Numaish Chowrangi, the Traffic Police said.

GRAND JIRGA MEETS AGAIN TODAY

Today, the Grand Jirga will resume again after the two-day break, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Barrister Saif said.

“One stakeholder group in the Jirga was given two days for consultation,” Saif said, adding that there is a “strong possibility of an agreement reaching between the two sides today.”

He informed that the members of the Jirga have agreed on almost all points. “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is striving for a sustainable and lasting solution to the conflict,” Barrister Saif said, adding, “With the efforts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a conflict that has lasted for over a century is on the verge of a sustainable solution.”

With the elimination of bunkers and weapons, complete peace will be established in the area, the information advisor said.

Earlier the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex committee also met to reach a resolution to the Kurram crisis. According to the committee’s decision, the area will be cleared of weapons.

“After the agreement, there will also be good news regarding the opening of the road,” Barrister Saif added.

KURRAM REMAINS UNDER LOCKDOWN

The situation in Kurram, Parachinar has not been resolved after months of continued lockdown. The main road connecting the district to the neighboring areas has been blocked since October 13. The prolonged lockdown has caused a severe dearth of food, medicines and other essentials.

Also read: Kurram unrest: peace accord inked

The provincial governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, as well as the cabinet committee and human rights foundations have been using the helicopter routes to deliver life-saving medicines to the area. The same helicopters have also been used to transport the critically ill patients to hospitals in Rawalpindi and Peshawar.