Hangu/Peshawar (Ghag Report):
A dramatic escalation in tribal violence has rocked Kurram District, with the death toll now reaching 107 and over 140 individuals wounded following a series of brutal clashes between conflicting tribes. The violence has significantly intensified in the past week, particularly in Lower Kurram, where gunfire exchanges and artillery shelling have become routine. Local sources report that at least two more fatalities and six additional injuries were sustained in the latest round of clashes, with the violence spreading across multiple areas.
The deadly violence is not a new phenomenon for the region. Tribal disputes in Kurram have persisted for years, but recent months have seen a sharp escalation in hostilities. On November 21, a deadly attack on a passenger convoy from Parachinar, part of a larger military operation in the Mandori Ochat area, led to the deaths of 57 individuals from the attack, further adding to the ongoing toll of casualties. In total, over 80 lives have been claimed in the last week, with the conflict now deeply affecting local communities.
Paralyzed Region: Blocked Roads, Suspended Services, and Humanitarian Crisis
The violence has not only claimed lives but also paralyzed daily life in Kurram. The main highway connecting Peshawar to Parachinar has been completely closed to traffic, while internet and mobile services have been suspended, making communication difficult. The ongoing clashes have also led to severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, oil, and medicine. Local authorities, grappling with the overwhelming violence, have been forced to close schools and cancel public gatherings for safety reasons.
In an already fragile situation, the recent conflict has intensified a humanitarian crisis in the district. Tribes in the region have been displaced, and many families have fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. The government is facing mounting pressure to address these dire circumstances.
Calls for Peace and Mediation: Jirga and Government Intervention
Amid escalating violence and mounting casualties, calls for peace have intensified. Engineer Hamid Hussain, a member of the National Assembly from Kurram, voiced concerns over the worsening situation, urging the government to take immediate steps to reopen blocked roads and ensure the safe transport of essential goods to affected areas. He highlighted the increasing difficulty for residents, with the region’s food and medical supplies rapidly depleting.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, announced the deployment of a Grand Peace Jirga (tribal council) from Kohat Division. The Jirga members will engage with tribal leaders from both sides of the conflict to mediate and work toward a ceasefire in hopes of bringing lasting peace to the region.
As the violence continues to spiral, security forces remain on high alert, and local leaders are urging the government to take more decisive actions to restore order. The situation remains fluid, with fears that unless swift intervention is made, more casualties are inevitable.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.