CM Gandapur orders disarmament of Kurram tribes as death toll rises to 124

KOHAT: To restore peace in the violence-hit Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday ordered the authorities concerned to demolish dugouts of rival tribes and confiscate their weapons.

The provincial chief executive issued the directives during a grand jirga, organized in Kohat district, attended by elders of rival tribes.

The latest violence, now in its tenth day, has left at least 124 dead and 178 injured as two more people lost their lives and 10 others sustained injuries in the overnight fire .

The latest episode of clashes began eight days ago with ambushes on two separate convoys under police escort, resulting in 52 deaths on November 21. Since then, violence between the warring factions has escalated, with police struggling to maintain control.

Kurram region is experiencing a communications blackout, with mobile and internet services suspended and educational institutions closed.

The main closure of the highway not only disrupted local transport but also caused a complete suspension of trade with Afghanistan, especially at the Kharlachi border.

A 10-day truce was negotiated earlier this week, but intermittent violence has rendered it ineffective.

Speaking at the jirga today, Gandapur assured the participants that the provincial government is ready to go to any extent to establish peace, law and order.

He also asked the authorities concerned to take steps for the “immediate resettlement” of the homeless victims of Kurram. “The loss of lives and property of people should be compensated immediately,” he added.

Moreover, he said, weapons in the possession of rival tribes should be confiscated immediately. “The administration will keep those weapons in its custody until peace is restored,” he added.

The chief minister also called for action, including arrest and registration of cases, against those spreading hatred on social media.

He also called on the parties to immediately announce a ceasefire and implement previous peace agreements. “Peace cannot be restored without the cooperation of citizens,” he concluded.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded 79 deaths in the region between July and October this year, highlighting the persistent instability.

Previous efforts to broker peace, including a seven-day truce negotiated by provincial officials earlier this month, have failed to hold.

A high-powered delegation, including KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, also negotiated a ceasefire last weekend, but violence resumed soon after.