‘Killing’ of two residents sparks outrage

PARACHINAR: The killing of two passengers near Bagan area in Lower Kurram has sparked outrage in Parachinar as the protest sit-in against the closure of roads continued on Monday.

The slain were identified as Ishaq Hussain and Waseem Hussain hailing from Parachinar.The bodies of the deceased were yet to be handed over to their families and this has sparked outrage among the Turi and Bangash tribes.

According to police, armed assailants shot dead the two men late last night. However, there was no independent confirmation of these reports.The attackers reportedly shared videos of the act on social media.

The victims, frustrated by prolonged road blockades and a lack of safe travel options, had attempted to return to Parachinar.The incident triggered protests in Parachinar and prompted tribal leaders and residents to demand justice.Member National Assembly Hamid Hussain along with tribal leader Jalal Hussain Bangash, condemned the killings and called for action against the perpetrators.

They said that this incident was a blow to the ongoing peace efforts and criticized the government’s focus on disarming besieged citizens instead of ensuring their safety.They demanded reopening and securing the main highway to prevent such incidents.Meanwhile, a sit-in protest outside the Parachinar Press Club entered its fourth day, with tribes demanding the reopening of roads and restoration of peace.

The region has been grappling with disruptions in transportation for the past 77 days due to attacks on passenger convoys and clashes.The closure of the main highway and other routes has resulted in a crisis. Supplies of essential goods, food, gas, and medicines have run out, forcing local markets to shut down completely.

Also, On Monday, air transport services were provided to a total of 248 individuals.According to an official communique, the first flight transported 33 passengers from Parachinar to Thall, while the second flight carried 34 passengers from Thall to Parachinar. The third flight transferred another 33 passengers from Parachinar to Thall.

Similarly, the fourth flight transported a dead body from Thall to Tari Mangal, while the fifth flight carried 37 passengers and another body from Tari Mangal to Parachinar. The sixth flight facilitated the transfer of 38 individuals from Parachinar to Thall while the seventh flight brought 35 passengers from Thall to Parachinar; and the final flight of the day flew six individuals from Parachinar to Peshawar.

The passengers included children, elderly individuals, women, patients, and students. Over the past three days, a total of 468 individuals have benefited from the provincial

government’s helicopter service.