February 17, 2025
By Rehan Piracha
LAHORE
Yet another convoy of trucks carrying food supplies to Kurram district was attacked on Monday, 17 February, in the Charkhel area of Lower Kurram, leaving a security official dead and six others injured, according to district police. This is one of the many attacks that have taken place against the travelling convoys to Kurram.
The attack is part of the ongoing clashes stemming from decades-old land disputes, which have claimed at least 130 lives since November 2024. The violence has led to weeks-long road blockades, causing a shortage of food and medicine in the region.
A peace agreement was signed between the warring factions on January 1, following months of violence. However, the route connecting Parachinar with the rest of the province remains blocked.
Previously also convoys have been made targets of violence, including one on January 4, when a government convoy was attacked near the Bagan area, injuring the deputy commissioner of Kurram, and another where security officials were killed.
Attacked, then looted
In Monday’s attack, assailants targeted the convoy from seven different points, including Bagan, Charkhel, Uchet, Mandori, and Dad Kamar. A helicopter escorting the convoy responded by shelling the attackers’ positions. Police said a security official was martyred in the attack while six others- three truck drivers, a policeman and two civilians, sustained injuries who were later shifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Hangu.
According to district police, 42 vehicles loaded with goods were trapped in the area during the attack. The injured, including driver Akram Khan, were transported to the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital in Alizai. The trucks were carrying food supplies to Upper Kurram, including Parachinar, the district capital.
Akram Khan, a resident of Peshawar, stated in his initial police report that his truck was loaded with medicine. “During the initial firing, one of my vehicle’s tires burst, and I sustained injuries,” he said. Police instructed him to abandon the vehicle and seek medical attention. Shortly after, armed men began looting the truck. Police returned fire, forcing the looters to flee.
In response to the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Hangu declared an emergency in hospitals across the district and dispatched ambulances from Tall to the scene.
Traders demand safety for stranded trucks
According to Hangu administration sources, 129 vehicles carrying food and other supplies were scheduled to travel from the Tal area of Hangu to Upper Kurram on Monday. In the first phase, 40 vehicles successfully reached their destination. However, the second phase, involving 73 vehicles, came under attack. Of these, 48 trucks returned safely to Tal, while 25 remained stranded in Charkhel. A third phase, consisting of 16 vehicles, was halted in Tal before departure.
During a press conference in Parachinar, local traders urged the government to ensure the safety of the stranded trucks and goods in Charkhel. They demanded that the vehicles either be brought to Parachinar or returned to Tal.
The traders expressed concern over repeated attacks on convoys operating under government supervision in the same area. They criticized the government for failing to act against miscreants despite announcements of a security operation. “It is surprising that food convoys are being attacked despite the deployment of hundreds of personnel for protection,” they said.
Haji Imdad, a representative of the traders’ community, revealed that transport vehicles were set on fire after being looted. “If immediate action is not taken against the terrorists, we will start a protest movement,” he warned.
Tribal elder Jalal Hussain Bangash condemned the attack, calling it ‘an attempt to destroy peace’.
“The patience of the besieged population of 500,000 people should not be tested further. The road must be opened and made safe for the passage of supply convoys,” he said.
‘Public must support efforts for Kurram peace’
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Dr. Muhammad Saif stated that the provincial cabinet has taken serious note of the attack. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed strict action against those responsible.
“Some miscreants are attempting to disrupt peace, but such actions will not be tolerated. Strict measures will be taken against anyone undermining stability,” Dr. Saif said. He emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the long-standing conflict in Kurram and remains committed to restoring peace.
An agreement was reached between conflicting parties in January through a Grand Jirga, and the process of demolishing bunkers is progressing rapidly. Dr. Saif urged the public to support the administration and government in their efforts to restore peace.
189 fatalities in Kurram violence since October
During a cabinet meeting on Monday, officials briefed participants on measures aimed at achieving sustainable peace in Kurram. Since October of last year, 189 people have lost their lives in various incidents of unrest. However, a peace agreement has been reached as a result of the provincial government’s efforts.
To address the blockade imposed in October, nine convoys comprising 718 vehicles have delivered essential goods to Kurram. Officials confirmed that there is currently no shortage of essential supplies in the district.
At the Chief Minister’s directive, a helicopter service was initiated to support Kurram. To date, 153 flights have transported approximately 4,000 people and delivered over 19,000 kilograms of medicine to address shortages.
151 bunkers demolished with complete demolition deadline set for Mar 23
Under the cabinet’s decision and the January peace agreement, 151 bunkers have been demolished, with a deadline set for the removal of all remaining bunkers by March 23. Additionally, a special security force is being established to protect Kurram Road. Temporary and permanent security posts are being constructed along the highways, with 120 posts planned. The cabinet has approved the recruitment of 407 personnel for these posts, which will be equipped with necessary facilities worth Rs. 764 million.
Furthermore, an estimated Rs. 480 million has been allocated for the restoration of Bagan Bazaar, which was destroyed during violence following a convoy attack in November.