Pakistan

KP Apex Committee vows to ‘dismantle bunkers’ in Kurram

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Kashif Zia

1 year ago

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Apex Committee on Friday decided to ‘dismantle all bunkers’ and eradicate heavy weapons from the Kurram district to restore peace in the area.

The provincial apex committee, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, met today to review the security situation in Kurram, where weeks-long deadly clashes have resulted in hundreds of deaths.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Corps Commander Peshawar, Chief Secretary KP, Inspector General of Police KP, and other senior civil and military officials.

The participants of the committee were briefed on the progress of the ‘grand jirga’, formed by the provincial government to reconcile both warring tribes to restore peace in the district.

The statement released after the meeting stated, “Lasting peace is not possible without the eradication of bunkers and weapons.”

The committee also announced the timely provision of medicines and other essential items.

The Interior Minister assured the provincial authorities of full support from the federation, saying that ensuring peace in Kurram is a top priority.

The provincial government has already said that the situation in Kurram will normalise only after the armed groups voluntarily surrendered heavy weapons and vacated the bunkers used to target each other.

The recent surge in violence started after a security convoy escorting residents was attacked last month leaving more than 40 dead. As the situation escalated, the provincial govt shut down key roads in and out of the district in an attempt to quell the violence

Various truces announced since November, as elders from the two sides negotiate a lasting agreement but a permanent peace deal is elusive.

Naqvi vows full support

Prior to the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s Office in Peshawar.

During the meeting, Naqvi pledged full support to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Establishing peace in Kurram is our top priority,” he stated.

Naqvi emphasised the need for collective efforts and consultation with all stakeholders to achieve lasting stability in the region.

Both leaders honored law enforcement personnel martyred in the fight against terrorism. “Martyrs are our pride; we salute their eternal sacrifices,” said Mohsin Naqvi.

Chief Minister Gandapur echoed these sentiments, stating, “The sacrifices of our martyrs are unforgettable. Together, we will confront the menace of terrorism.”

‘People to get subsidised wheat’

In another development, Chief Minister Gandapur announced providing wheat to the people of Kurram district at subsidised rates to address the need for food supplies.

The official handout said that wheat would be supplied directly to the people at subsidized rates of Rs2,800 per 40 kilograms from the government warehouse in Kurram.

The decision was made in response to a request from the Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, who emphasized the need to provide wheat directly to the citizens instead of the flour mills.

Meanwhile, on the special instructions of the chief minister, the provincial government continued the supply of medicines to Kurram via the MI-17 helicopter.

On Thursday, two consignments of medicines were delivered to Sadda. The 3,600-kilogram shipment included emergency medicines as well as essential vaccines

Kashif Zia