August 23, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 20, 1429

KOHAT, Aug 22: The six tribes of Kurram Agency have sought two days time from the Hangu peace jirga for formally finalising the charter for ceasefire which will be discussed with the other side early next week, sources say.

The six tribes including elders from Parachamkani, Masozai, Ali Sherzai, Zehmusht, Mengal and Sunni Bangash discussed the pros and cons of the agreement with the tribesmen before presenting it to the jirga headed by the district nazim of Hangu district, Khan Afzal, holding talks in Sadda tehsil for the last several days.Meanwhile, skirmishes continued in Inzar, Bakizai, Ali Zai, Sadda, Balish Khel, Sangeena, Nasti Kot, Mukbal, Burki Tewar, Teri Mengal and few other villages on the 14th consecutive on Friday. The battles were not so intense as compared to the other days and only seven people were killed from both the sides while nine others were injured.

Only 25 to 30 mortars were fired on Friday in various parts of the Kurram Agency as to hundreds during the past 13 days.

The administration and the jirga members said that perhaps the warring factions were tired and impatiently waiting for the outcome of the peace jirga to stop the fighting, which had paralysed life in the area.

The Sadda tehsil of Kurram Agency remained without power on the fourth consecutive day due to damage caused to the high tension lines by firing. Petrol and candles were not available as markets remained closed. People had to survive on little food stored for rainy days.— Abdul Sami Paracha