Winter in Kurram

Kurram’s ordeal has already been devastating but the recent news of the murder of two men in Kurram there in a chilling act of decapitation highlights the harrowing nature of the unrest in the region. The subsequent protests and road blockades underline a profound failure of governance and law enforcement in an area already grappling with decades-old tribal rivalries and sectarian divides. The suffering of the people of Kurram who have been left to fend for themselves amidst violence and deprivation demands urgent and sustained state intervention. For over two months now, the Peshawar-Parachinar Highway has been blocked, choking access to essential goods and services. Reports of over 100 children falling victim to the lack of medical supplies have been denied by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities but the fact is that the district’s isolation has left residents without basic necessities, exacerbated by the harsh winter and the region’s rugged terrain. Though efforts like airlifting critical patients and delivering medicines have been initiated, they remain temporary solutions to a deep-rooted problem.

The provincial government’s recently unveiled roadmap which highlights measures such as a special security force, deweaponisation, and the prosecution of hatemongers is a welcome intervention but we hope the provincial government realises that the implementation of these measures requires more than rhetoric. Decades of neglect, combined with a weak state presence, have emboldened armed groups, both tribal and sectarian, who wield significant influence in the region. Without a firm commitment from the state, the roadmap risks becoming another hollow promise. Central to resolving the crisis is the immediate reopening of Kurram’s thoroughfares. The state must ensure the safety of these routes, deploying the proposed special police force and establishing permanent security checkpoints. Symbolic acts like flying in aid cannot replace the need for consistent access to goods and services.

Deweaponisation is another cornerstone of peace in Kurram. The government’s plan to confiscate illegal arms and demolish bunkers is necessary but fraught with challenges. Such efforts must be impartial, targeting all factions equally to avoid perceptions of bias that could further inflame tensions. Equally critical is addressing the root causes of Kurram’s unrest. Generational grievances – ranging from land disputes to perceptions of sectarian discrimination – require long-term solutions. The Grand Jirga’s involvement in peace negotiations is a step in the right direction, but it must go beyond temporary truces to foster genuine reconciliation. This includes addressing socioeconomic disparities and integrating Kurram more effectively into the provincial and national framework. The state must also tackle the role of online platforms in amplifying sectarian hatred. The establishment of an FIA cell to monitor and curb incendiary content is commendable, but its efficacy hinges on transparency and accountability. The crisis in Kurram is not an isolated tribal issue; it is a litmus test for the state’s capacity to govern and protect its citizens. The KP government’s declaration of the district as ‘disaster-hit’ underscores the severity of the situation but the fact is that the people of Kurram deserve more than temporary relief; they deserve a future free from fear, deprivation, and violence. This means implementing the roadmap with unwavering resolve, addressing the humanitarian crisis with urgency, and fostering an environment where dialogue and development replace discord and destruction.