A much-awaited convoy of 40 trucks carrying essential goods and supplies finally reached the
troubled Kurram district on Wednesday, bringing an end to a five-day standstill and over three
months of road closures. The arrival of the aid, announced by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif,
spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, marks a significant step in addressing
the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The convoy, dispatched last Saturday, faced significant delays after an attack on the vehicle of
Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud at the Kurram-Hangu border left him and six others
injured. This incident resulted in roadblocks and prevented the timely delivery of essential
supplies to the district.

The prolonged closure of the Thall-Parachinar road had led to severe shortages of food,
medicine, and other necessities in Parachinar city. The arrival of the convoy was met with relief
by residents who had endured months of hardship. They also appealed to the government to
facilitate the regular movement of people and goods in and out of the district.

Barrister Saif detailed the distribution of the aid, stating that ten vehicles reached the Bagan
area of Lower Kurram, while thirty arrived in Parachinar and Upper Kurram. He emphasized the
government’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to the affected population, highlighting the
successful negotiations that paved the way for the convoy’s arrival. These negotiations,
involving the Grand Jirga, Kurram Peace Committee, and local peace committees, led to an
agreement to remove roadblocks and allow the passage of relief goods.
Saif reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring peace and order in the region,
emphasizing that this remains a top priority. He announced plans to dispatch additional relief
convoys to ensure adequate supplies reach all communities.

Barrister Saif also highlighted the crucial role of local jirgas and peace committees in achieving
long-term stability, promising strengthened collaboration and the inclusion of all
stakeholders in the peace process. He stressed that the government’s approach encompasses
both immediate relief and long-term development plans, recognizing that sustainable progress
depends on lasting peace and stability in the region.

The interim Deputy Commissioner, Ashfaq Khan, confirmed the peaceful arrival of the convoy
and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the attack on Mehsud, urging continued
cooperation from the local population to maintain stability.

The Thall-Parachinar road remained closed for over three months, following a deadly October
12 attack in Kunj Alizai that resulted in more than a dozen fatalities. A subsequent attack on
November 21 on a convoy near Bagan claimed over forty lives and injured numerous others,
escalating the conflict and resulting in over 130 deaths from clashes. However, a 14-point peace
agreement was signed on January 1 by the warring factions, pledging to dismantle bunkers
within a month and submit a plan for district disarmament within fifteen days.