The jirga comes after a search and clearance operation in lower Kurram

A grand jirga is underway in Kohat to address peace and security concerns in the Kurram tribal district. The jirga is being chaired by the Kohat Commissioner, Syed Mutassam Billah.

Jirga members began arriving early on Saturday and sources indicate that the jirga will commence after all parties are represented.

The jirga’s members hope that the concerns of all parties involved will be addressed and progress will be made towards a resolution that fosters peace and stability in the region.

Kurram has been embroiled in a violent conflict between Shia and Sunni tribes for almost four months. Although the government managed to broker a peace agreement through a grand Jirga early in January, multiple violations have already taken place in less than a month’s time.

First, Kurram’s district commissioner was injured along with five others when unknown assailants opened fire on his convoy. Although, the government tried to keep up the supply of aid to the district, an aid convoy was ambushed on January 16. The attack not only resulted in the deaths of several people, including security forces personnel and truck drivers, but also led to the suspension of aid convoys due to the threat of more attacks.

The government then launched a search and clearance operation to rid lower Kurram of weapons so that the peace would not be broken again. Official sources claimed that in the three-day operation, a large amount of weapons were confiscated from the area. However, the operation also meant that dozens of families had to be displaced.

Since the operation, the slow trickle of much needed aid to Parachinar and surrounding areas has once again resumed. Now the government hopes a grand jirga can come up with a lasting solution for the area’s security issues.