Authorities urged to reopen roads in Kurram

PARACHINAR: The elders said that continuous closure of main and link roads would lead to massive humanitarian crises due to acute shortage of edibles, petrol and diesel reserves in Kurram district.

Tribal elders from the Turi and Bangash tribes, including Jalal Bangash and Syed Tajammul Hussain, Mir Afzal Khan, a leader of the Pak Youth Movement and Azmat Alizai, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Coordinator for Kurram have expressed concern that the continuous closure of roads has caused shortage of food and fuel supplies, raising the fear of a major humanitarian crisis.

They said that suspension of 3G and 4G services had also caused distress for students and citizens, affecting studies and businesses alike in the area.After incidents of firing on passenger vehicles a few days ago, the main Parachinar-Peshawar and other routes have been closed owing to fear of more such incidents.

The people of Kurram, particularly Parachinar and nearby areas have virtually become stranded while students and professionals cannot reach their respective destinations and the visas and tickets of laborers intending to go abroad have expired.

The elders criticised the authorities for not taking any steps to secure these routes. They urged high-ups to reopen the roads and ensure the safety of passengers and motorists on these routes

The clashes over land disputes have been a longstanding issue in the region, often resulting in loss of lives and disruptions to daily life.Local elders and political figures have urged for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts and stressed the need for restoration of lasting peace in the region.