Parachinar road blockade enters 143rd day

PARACHINAR: The dwellers of Parachinar continue to endure immense hardships as the main Thall-Parachinar highway remains blocked for 143 consecutive days.

The prolonged siege has rendered markets deserted, causing severe shortages of food and medical supplies. The unavailability of medicines and the closure of medical centres have exacerbated health concerns, leaving residents vulnerable to unbearable conditions.

Haji Imdad, a local traders’ leader, said that goods stockpiled for Ramazan were looted, further worsening the plight of the people. He added that traders have suffered heavy losses, while the general public was struggling to access basic necessities.

Community leaders have urged the government to take immediate action by providing an emergency relief package for the approximately 500,000 stranded residents. They cautioned that without prompt intervention, a humanitarian disaster could unfold.

Social activist Mir Afzal Khan criticised the government’s silence over the recurring incidents of looting. He accused certain groups of deliberately intensifying the suffering of the besieged population under the pretense of being victims themselves. He called for urgent measures to ensure the protection of citizens.Meanwhile, affected residents of Lower Kurram, Bagan, and Manduri have staged protests on main roads, demanding relief and justice.