By Farman Ullah
In a brazen assault, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud was injured, along with six others, when unidentified assailants fired upon his convoy near Bagan in the Kurram district on January 4, 2025. This incident occurred mere days after a peace agreement was signed between rival tribes in the region, aiming to put an end to prolonged sectarian violence that had claimed over 130 lives since November.
The convoy, facilitating the delivery of essential supplies to areas affected by recent road blockades, was targeted by assailants seeking to disrupt the fragile peace in Kurram. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed the attack, assuring that the situation in Kurram is “under control” and security personnel have taken complete control of the area.
In response to the attack, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government convened an emergency meeting, resolving to apprehend those responsible and pledging zero leniency. Provincial authorities blamed local residents for breaching the peace agreement and decided to file FIRs against those involved in the attack.
Condemnations and Reactions
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, describing it as a blatant attempt to undermine the peace agreement. He emphasized that the government and security forces are actively working against terrorists and that such enemies of humanity will not be allowed to succeed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also denounced the incident, with Gandapur terming it a “deliberate and nefarious but unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the government’s efforts to establish peace in the district”.
Peace Agreement and its Implications
The recent peace agreement had led to the reopening of the Tal-Parachinar road after an 85-day closure due to sectarian violence and tribal clashes. This development allowed the first convoy of over 75 vehicles to deliver much-needed supplies, including medicine, wheat, and food items, to the conflict-ridden Kurram district.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress made, challenges persist in Kurram. Long-standing land disputes have sparked violent clashes, resulting in over 200 fatalities since July. Prolonged road blockades have led to severe shortages of food and medicine, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As authorities strive to restore peace and stability in Kurram, it is imperative that both Sunni and Shia communities remain vigilant and united against those seeking to undermine the peace agreement. The government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the people in the region must be matched by the collective efforts of local leaders, elders, and residents to ensure a lasting peace in Kurram.