Death toll in Kurram clashes hits 102 as violence continues

PARACHINAR: The death toll from ongoing clashes in the Kurram tribal district has risen to 102 with 138 others injured, according to police and hospital sources.

Sporadic gunfire continued to echo throughout the region, which escalated tension and spread fear among the residents.

Two more people lost their lives and six were injured in fresh clashes between rival tribes.

Separately, critically injured Mohammad Ali succumbed to wounds after being shot in the November 21 attack on passenger vehicles in the Manduri-Uchat area of Lower Kurram. The number of deaths from that attack alone now stood at 52.

Over the past week, violence in Kurram has left over 100 dead. This has aggravated the humanitarian crisis in the region. Main roads, including the Peshawar-Parachinar Highway, remain closed to traffic, while internet and mobile services remain suspended.

The educational institutions across the district have shut down over safety concerns. The road closures have created a shortage of essential supplies and fuel, which has disrupted daily life.

Engineer Hamid Hussain, a Member National Assembly (MNA) from Kurram, expressed concern over the worsening situation. “The closure of roads has disrupted the supply of essential commodities, fuel, and medicines, making life difficult for the people. Immediate measures are needed to reopen and secure transport routes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud announced that a grand peace jirga comprising representatives from the Kohat Division was being led to Kurram. He said the jirga would mediate between the tribal elders and negotiate a ceasefire to restore peace in the conflict-ridden region.