KURRAM: On Tuesday, a convoy of 25 trucks loaded with essential supplies reached Parachinar, marking the second delivery since the partial reopening of the Thall-Parachinar road last week. The road had been closed for an extended period following deadly clashes, leaving residents without basic necessities and enduring significant hardships.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the federal cabinet, noting a marked improvement in Kurram’s situation, including the removal of some security checkposts and the restoration of essential supplies. He assured that peace would be maintained by all parties involved and emphasized that such incidents would not be repeated. The Prime Minister also mentioned that bunkers established earlier had been demolished, and supplies were being delivered to the district’s residents.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed confirmed that 25 trucks successfully reached Parachinar after departing from Thall, Hangu. However, 20 trucks were still awaiting clearance, and efforts were underway to dispatch them while ensuring the safety of the road under a phased peace agreement.
Despite the arrival of aid, locals expressed frustration at the inadequate relief. Haji Abid, a resident, criticized the small convoy and the delays, stating that the situation was worsening as thousands awaited supplies. He called for better arrangements for the transportation of food and medicine, noting that 200 vehicles were waiting for clearance, but only 45 had been allowed to pass.
Social activist Asadullah highlighted the additional hardships faced by local residents, including workers stranded abroad due to expired visas and students unable to attend schools. He also pointed out the difficulty of handling burials, with 50 deceased individuals being buried in Hangu instead of their villages due to the road closure.
MNA Hamid Hussain criticized the insufficient supply of trucks for a population of tens of thousands and urged authorities to expedite the clearance of the remaining vehicles. Sajid Turi, a former federal minister from Kurram, appealed to Prime Minister Sharif and the army chief to address the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the severe suffering caused by the prolonged closure of the Thall-Parachinar road.
A local trader shared frustrations about delays, stating that only one of three trucks carrying edibles had been allowed to proceed, while the others remained stuck. He also raised concerns about rising transportation costs and conflicts with truck drivers, with no petrol or diesel entering the district in over 100 days.
In Lower Kurram, a sit-in protest continues as residents demand immediate relief and the resumption of necessary supplies.
