Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has stated that the situation in Kurram is not merely a land dispute but a sectarian conflict fully influenced by foreign powers.

Speaking to the media after the launch of Bank of Khyber’s Islamic banking service, Gandapur emphasized that the issues in Kurram have persisted for 103 years and that the notion of a simple land dispute is misleading.

 “We must not shy away from the truth. While land disputes occur in many areas, they do not escalate to the level seen in Kurram, where entire communities are involved,”

Gandapur highlighted that the ongoing turmoil in Kurram is driven by sectarianism, with global and foreign powers heavily investing in the conflict. He accused these external forces of supplying weapons and ammunition to the region, aiming to ignite sectarian violence throughout the country.

He insisted that if a tribal council (jirga) can resolve the issues in Kurram, that would be ideal; otherwise, the government is fully prepared to take action.

“Those involved in terrorism in Kurram will not escape justice,” he added.

Gandapur noted the scale of weaponry being supplied and used in Kurram, asserting that foreign powers are deeply involved. The government is implementing security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras worth Rs2 billion, and has made it clear that there will be no retreat in the fight against terrorism. He added that those who spread terrorism will face consequences.