Demolition of bunkers continues in Kurram

PARACHINAR: The demolition of bunkers in Kurram district is underway as more bunkers in Khar Killay and Balishkhel areas were dismantled on Tuesday.

According to Upper Kurram Assistant Commissioner Afrasiab Zubair, the operation to remove bunkers in Khar Killay and Balishkhel had been expanded and will cover all affected areas.

He stated that police forces, district administration, tribal elders, and members of the Grand Jirga were present to oversee the process.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Member National Assembly (MNA) Hamid Hussain said that only 23 trucks of supplies were sent for a population of hundreds of thousands which was insufficient. He urged the government to provide aid to the people to fulfill their needs.

The MNA expressed concern about the plight of the local population, which has been trapped in the area for over three and a half months. “Four to five lakh people are confined here, and after such a long wait, providing just 23 trucks of supplies is insufficient. The government must ensure the provision of food, medicine, gas, and fuel in line with the population’s needs,” he said.

Social activist Mir Afzal Khan said that many patients, including children, died due to inadequate medical facilities. He said that patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases were facing problems. Tanveer Hussain and Israr Bangash, residents of Parachinar said, the prices of essential items and vegetables had gone up due to the short supply.

Meanwhile, local traders attributed the soaring prices to the delays in transportation. “Trucks loaded with goods were stuck for days waiting for the convoy. We had to pay five times the usual transportation charges, and perishable goods rotted during the delay,” said a trader.