February 4, 2025
By Rehan Piracha
LAHORE
At least 30 bunkers, built by rival warring tribesmen, have been destroyed in Kurram district on Tuesday, February 4, said security sources. The ongoing demolition of bunkers is part of the Kurram peace accord signed on January 1.
According to information, there are more than 250 bunkers in Kurram, out of which over 30 have been demolished so far. Official sources say that both parties are holding jirga meetings for the implementation of the peace agreement. Around 453 vehicles carrying food items and other supplies have reached Kurram that has faced a road blockade since October.
Elders agree to implement peace accord
At a jirga held in Peshawar on Monday, tribal elders from both Sunni and Shia sects agreed on the implementation of the 14 points listed in the Kurram peace accord to restore normalcy in the district Kurram. This was the third sitting of the jirga for establishing lasting peace in Kurram.
Speaking to the media in Peshawar, jirga elders stated that significant progress was made in the sittings in Peshawar and Islamabad towards implementing the terms of the peace accord and all parties have decided to work together for peace.
The jirga elders clarified that deliberations were critical to implementation of the peace accord and the sittings of the elders were a continuation of the Kohat jirga where the parties inked the agreement, adding that the government and tribes bear responsibility for peace.
“The process of bunker dismantling is ongoing, and parties are in agreement,” the elders said. The reopening of roads in Kurram was extremely necessary and all routes would eventually be opened but that required mutual trust, the elders added.
The elders emphasized the need for action against elements spreading hate on social media. They said that restricting social media is the government’s responsibility, and both parties will not become obstacles. The Kurram jirga concluded in a positive atmosphere. The elders assured complete cooperation with each other. Agreement was also reached on holding more sessions for establishing peace.
“The jirga was held in a conducive and positive atmosphere, being a ray of hope for the affected families of Parachinar,” said the President of Anjuman Farooqia, Munir Bangash, at the conclusion of the jirga in Peshawar. “We will continue the series of jirgas for establishing peace. Through these jirgas, we want to send the message that we can live together. The negotiation process continues. Detailed discussions were held today regarding opening roads, weapons, and bunker demolition. Open discussions were held for problem resolution.”
Medical stores shutter down for strike
Meanwhile, the Drugs Association of Parachinar has announced a shutter-down strike due to the lack of medicine supply in the convoys reaching Kurram. The Drugs Association announced in a press conference that medical stores will remain closed until medicine-carrying vehicles arrive.