HANGU: A convoy carrying relief goods has finally departed for Kurram after being stuck in Tal for several days. The convoy will deliver essential supplies to the residents of Bagan, a part of Kurram district facing severe challenges. Officials confirmed this to the media on Wednesday.
The Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) has sent 10 vehicles with vital goods such as tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and other necessary items. This is just the first phase of the relief operation.
In addition to this, another convoy with food supplies is expected to leave for Parachinar today. Officials mentioned that two to three more convoys carrying relief goods will be sent to Kurram in the coming week.
Sources revealed that the Peace Committee has assured the government of the convoy’s safe passage. They also promised compensation for the residents of Bagan who have suffered due to the ongoing crisis. The Peace Committee has pledged to hand over the individuals responsible for the attack on Kurram’s Deputy Commissioner, Javedullah Mehsud.
Efforts to send food supplies and other relief goods to Kurram started on January 4. However, the operation faced setbacks after an attack on Mehsud in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area. This was followed by a sit-in protest by local tribes in Mandori. The convoy was temporarily halted as tensions increased, leading to a four-day standstill.
The drivers, growing frustrated, decided to return. Many vehicles carrying perishable items had to head back, while others remained stationed in different parts of Tal.
Delay Adding to Crisis
Hangu Deputy Commissioner Gohar Zaman Wazir explained late on Tuesday that only vehicles carrying perishable goods were sent back. He assured that most of the vehicles in the convoy remained in place.
Despite a ceasefire and peace agreement after months of unrest, the residents of Kurram are still waiting for essential supplies. The delays have worsened the situation as there is a severe shortage of medicines. There have also been reports of deaths among children and other patients due to a lack of proper medical treatment.
Medical Aid Shortage
Ali Jawad, a social activist, reported that three more children died from illness, bringing the total number of deaths due to road closures to 221, including 147 children. He emphasized that the absence of food and medical aid is causing these fatalities. He called for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
Hamid Hussain, a Member of the National Assembly, urged authorities to reopen the routes without delay. He stated, “The population has been under siege for three months. Further delays will only increase the suffering of the residents. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure the supply of relief goods and medical assistance.”
District administration officials mentioned that Section 144 had been imposed in Kurram. They also noted that a recent sit-in protest outside the Parachinar Press Club had ended. However, the delay in sending convoys was attributed to an ongoing protest at the main road in Lower Kurram’s Mandori area.
Agha Muzzammil Hussain, the Tehsil Chairman, condemned the blocking of food and medical supplies to Upper Kurram, calling it inhumane. Social worker Ameer Afzal Khan also urged the government to immediately reopen the main routes for the delivery of essential supplies.
