Parachinar dwellers seek end to road closure

PARACHINAR: The residents of Parachinar surrounding areas have been facing severe hardships for the past six months due to roadblocks and the suspension of mobile internet services, including 3G and 4G networks.

This ongoing situation has left thousands of people stranded and without basic necessities such as food and healthcare.The main highway and several routes in the district remain closed due to ongoing clashes and firing incidents in Kurram district. This has isolated the local population, leaving them with limited access to essential services. Social activist Mir Afzal Khan and others said the lack of medical facilities and resources had contributed to the tragic deaths of over 500 persons, including children.

Member of National Assembly (MNA) and parliamentary leader of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Hamid Hussain, expressed his concern, stating that despite peace agreements and efforts to stabilize the region, the road closures remain inexplicable. He urged the government to take immediate action to reopen the routes and ensure that the main highway is safe for travel on a permanent basis.

A protest has been ongoing for the past five weeks outside the Parachinar Press Club, with residents demanding the reopening of roads and an emergency relief package for those affected by the unrest.

Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ameer Nawaz assured that efforts were underway to restore trust between conflicting parties and facilitate the opening of roads. He called on community elders to collaborate in promoting peace and stability in the region.