Residents’ problems in the conflict-hit Kurram district persist as basic goods, especially food, supplied to the region as part of humanitarian operations are reportedly being sold at exorbitant prices. In addition to the dangerous situation in the mountainous region due to tribal violence, the plight of the local population has been compounded by the lack of vital items due to the long-term closure of trade routes. Food, medicine and fuel are in short supply in the region as the main transit route to Kurram has remained closed for more than 100 days since recently. A local resident said tomatoes, cauliflower and onions are sold at Rs 500 per kilogram while green chillies, sugar and tea are sold at Rs 800, Rs 200 and Rs 2,200 respectively. He called on the authorities to send a convoy of at least 500 trucks carrying goods to the crisis-hit region. The government has so far sent two aid shipments for Kurram in the past two weeks, with the latest arriving in the tribal area on Tuesday. A social activist complained that after a week’s wait since the first convoy, only 25 truckloads of goods had been delivered. He said that the goods supplied are not enough to meet the needs of the people of Kurram. The activist called on the government to ensure the provision of medicines and restore a heli-service to transport patients requiring advanced treatment. However, the district administration reaffirmed that they are trying to open roads and pass more aid convoys. Meanwhile, sources said the district authorities are planning to hold a fresh meeting with the Mandoori protesters at Tal Cantonment or Kohat as the Tal-Parachinar road remains closed for traffic. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Ashfaq Khan said that more bunkers will be dismantled in Lower Kurram today. Each of the five bunkers in Khar Keli and Balishkhel areas will be removed, he said. “Four bunkers have been removed so far. Efforts are underway to implement all provisions of the peace agreement,” he added. Kurram has been in the eye of the storm for months after a wave of tribal violence erupted in November 2024, killing over 130 people and resulting in route closures for more than 100 days. However, a peace agreement was reached between the warring tribes in negotiations facilitated by the Grand Jirga, the Kurram Peace Committee and local peace groups. These talks resulted in an agreement to remove blockades and allow humanitarian goods to be transported in accordance with a 14-point agreement negotiated by tribal elders. However, the situation remains uncertain.
