PESHAWAR: Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information , Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, said on Wednesday the main highway in Kurram would be reopened only after heavy weapons were surrendered to the government.
“Tribal leaders have been urged to take responsibility for this issue and support the government in the process of surrendering weapons to ensure a sustainable resolution of the crisis,” he said while talking to media.
The adviser stated that the use of heavy weapons such as rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Saif mentioned that the roads would not be reopened until the weapons were surrendered, as the presence of weapons increased the risk of bloodshed. He added that the government would dismantle the bunkers used by militants to resolve this issue once and for all.
The adviser stated that government relief operations were ongoing, with helicopters being used to transport the injured and deliver essential supplies.
He insisted that there was no issue of food shortage, and the provincial government had ensured the supply of wheat.
Saif appealed to the public and local leaders to cooperate with the government to alleviate the difficulties of the people of Kurram and establish lasting peace.
Regarding the reports of the tragic deaths of 29 children in Kurram, Saif said that investigations were going on and his team was reviewing the causes.
He insisted that these deaths were not related to the crisis or a shortage of medicines, but rather were the result of natural occurrences, which have been aggregated and presented to the public.
Saif pointed out that the spread of disinformation on social media had created confusion among the public, and he urged the media to refrain from broadcasting unverified news.
Advisor to Chief Minister on Health, Ihtesham Ali, informed the journalists about the ongoing delivery of medicines despite rumors circulating on social media regarding a shortage.
He said that medicine-laden trucks were still parked at the Kohat Commissioner’s Office. Due to road blockages, medicines are being delivered via the chief minister’s helicopter, he said, adding medicines worth Rs 124 million were delivered to Parachinar, and medicines worth 500 million rupees have been delivered so far.
“Today, medicines worth 50 million rupees are being sent to Tehsil Headquarters Sadda. Emergency medicines and vaccines worth five million rupees have been delivered to Kurram. Since December 4, eight helicopter flights have delivered emergency medicines to DHQ Parachinar,” he explained.
The adviser said in addition, 19 injured individuals who required specialized care have been transferred to Peshawar by helicopter.
He said a supply of essential vaccines for two months had been sent to Kurram. “Today, 2,000 kilograms of medicines were sent via the MI-17 helicopter to THQ Sadda in Lower Kurram. Medicines are being continuously supplied to all BHUs as well,” he elaborated.
The adviser said: “Access to healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen, and I take full responsibility for the health of every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from Chitral to Waziristan. The messages circulating in WhatsApp groups under the name of MS are completely false,” he added.
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