Ikram Ullah Khalil
PESHAWAR, KOHAT: An agreement has been reached on the Kurram dispute, as both parties signed a peace accord during the Kohat grand jirga. The jirga, held to address the situation in Kurram district, successfully concluded with mutual consensus on the agreement.
Jirga member Malik Sawab Khan confirmed the signing, with 45 representatives from each side endorsing the 14-point agreement. He further stated that plans were being made to open routes and establish peace. Those who violate the agreement will be handed over to the government, and efforts will be made in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies to ensure peace and order, he added.
On the other hand, the agreement stipulates that compensation for damages will be provided, and heavy weapons will be surrendered to the government. Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Saif, confirmed the signing of the peace agreement.
“Both parties have signed the peace agreement. A few days ago, one party signed, and today the other party has also signed,” said Barrister Saif. He added that both parties agreed on the surrender of weapons. He congratulated the people of Kurram on the signing of the peace agreement.
“This peace agreement will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in Kurram,” he stated. He also mentioned that with the signing of the peace agreement, daily life would soon be fully restored. Kurram has been isolated from the rest of the country due to violent tribal clashes that erupted in November, resulting in over 100 deaths. All roads in Kurram, including the Parachinar-Peshawar highway, have been closed since Nov 21, following an attack on a convoy in the Bagan area, which killed at least 50 people.
The attack sparked intense clashes, leading to numerous casualties on both sides. The violence escalated when two individuals were killed and decapitated after being ambushed while heading toward Parachinar in the Bagan area. The road closures have fuelled protests, with a sit-in continuing at the Parachinar Press Club and a separate protest now in its ninth day in Karachi.
On Tuesday, another protest took place in Bagan, Kurram, against the destruction of shops and homes, with protesters demanding the reopening of roads and aid for those affected. In Lahore, a protest is also ongoing outside the Press Club, calling for justice for the killings in Parachinar and the reopening of roads in Kurram.
The Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur had stated that the provincial government’s efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Kurram issue have yielded fruitful resukts, and agreement has been signed between the parties, marking a significant step toward a sustainable solution to the issue in Kurram.
In his special statement issued on Wednesday regarding the agreement on the Kurram issue, the Chief Minister said, “I welcome this important development and congratulate all stakeholders.” He expressed hope that this agreement would provide a strong foundation for the lasting resolution of the Kurram issue.
Ali Amin Gandapur thanked the local elders, parties involved, jirga members, cabinet members, and concerned civil and military authorities for their role in resolving the Kurram issue peacefully. He remarked that it is highly encouraging that an agreement has been reached between the parties.
The Chief Minister said that the signing of the agreement paved the way for reopening Kurram’s land route, adding that both the parties, by signing the agreement, have played a constructive role in establishing peace in the region, which is commendable. He added that this agreement is a clear message to elements spreading hatred between the parties that the people of the region desire peace.
Ali Amin Gandapur urged the parties to reject such elements spreading hatred and foster unity among themselves. “Our efforts and wish are for the speedy resolution of the issues faced by the people of Kurram and the restoration of normalcy in the region.” said the Chief Minister.
He emphasized that fighting and violence are not solutions to any problem; Issues and disputes are always resolved through dialogue; Violence only begets more violence, which is neither in the interest of the parties involved, the region, nor the government.
The Chief Minister stressed that all of us belong to the same religion and peaceful coexistence and tolerance are fundamental teachings of our religion. He said that according to Pashtun traditions, even the most complex issues can be resolved through jirgas.
“Thanks to Allah, we are progressing toward a sustainable solution through jirgas and dialogue, I congratulate the people of Kurram on this significant progress,” said Ali Amin Gandapur. He assured the people of Kurram that their challenges are well understood and that all possible measures will be taken to alleviate them. “Where there is peace, there will be development, and positive changes will come to the lives of the people”, he added.
