No respite for Kurram, as road blockages persist

PARACHINAR: The road linking Parachinar to other districts is still closed for all types of traffic. Due to these blockaded, all types of supplies to Upper Kurram have been suspended.

There are nearly 400,000 people trapped in the area, which is completely cut off from the adjoining regions since October 12. There is a dire shortage of food items, medicines, oil, LPG and other necessities. Fresh fruits and vegetables have disappeared from the city for the last three weeks because of supply disruptions.

Speaking to HUM News, locals said that there is an increased risk of deaths as the weather gets more severe while the medicines are not being provided to the hospitals.

Kurram clashes: six more killed, death toll rises to 130

Rising cold and lack of quality treatment is adding to the difficulties of the medical staff, hospital sources said. Two minors have already succumbed to pneumonia in the last two days, hospital sources said.

The closure of roads has also affected the Hindu and Christian communities of Kurram. Christmas is just around the corner, but the Christian Community is gripped by hardship. “We have nothing to celebrate Christmas,” members of the community told HUM news, adding that the government has not helped them so far.

The traders in the region are also worried about their businesses as the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border is still closed for all types of movements.

GRAND JIRGA AND FOOD EMERGENCY

A grand Jirga has been going on in Kohat for a week for lasting peace and order. However, a consensus is yet to be reached. The Jirga sources spoke to media and said that it is possible that a written decision will be prepared.

On the orders of the provincial government, negotiations and Jirgas are ongoing between the elders of different parties, said Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.

KP CM orders immediate supply of wheat, flour to violence-struck Kurram

Meanwhile, on December 12, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had announced immediate relief measures for the violence-struck Kurram district.

The chief minister had issued directions to immediately provide wheat and flour to the residents of Kurram. He ordered the provincial food authority to ensure that flour shortage in the district is taken care of, and the food crisis is resolved. Helicopter services are also being used to ensure the supply of critical medicines to the region.