Prioritised supply of medicines and fuel sought for Kurram

PARACHINAR: Social activists on Tuesday called for the immediate and prioritized supply of medicines, fuel, and gas to Parachinar town amid the reports of a shortage of the same.

According to sources, on Monday morning, a convoy of 160 vehicles carrying food and other essential daily-use items was dispatched to the besieged areas.However, after departing from Tall, only 80 trucks were permitted to enter the Kurram district, while the remaining 70 vehicles, including those carrying fuel, gas, and medicines, were sent back.

Trader leader Haji Imdad stated that lists and arrangements were made to transport convoys of more than 100 vehicles once or twice a week, but only half of them were allowed to reach their destination, while the rest were turned back.

Social activists, including Mir Afzal Khan said despite agreements, limiting the convoys to once or twice a week was exacerbating public hardships. He called for the immediate and prioritized supply of medicines, fuel, and gas.

Haji Gulfam, President of the Petrol Pumps Association, said oil pump owners were suffering severe losses, and due to the crisis, petrol was being sold at exorbitant rates.Meanwhile, a jirga of the Balishkhel tribe was convened in Lower Kurram, where tribal elders demanded the government take action to maintain peace in the region and prevent terrorism.Addressing the joint jirga of the Balishkhel and Ghandikhel tribes, elders including Malik Habib and Malik Imran stressed the need for concrete measures to ensure lasting peace in Kurram.