KURRAM: A local jirga brokered an eight-month peace agreement between the warring sides in Kurram district on Saturday.
Jirga members said that following the agreement, modalities were being worked out for reopening the main road and implementing other measures to maintain peace in the restive region.
According to jirga members Haji Kamal and Haji Asghar, a gathering of tribal elders from both sides was held in the Qila Abbas Alamdar area in Lower Kurram. The deputy commissioner, along with security forces and district administration officials, also participated in the discussions.
After extensive deliberations, a peace agreement was signed. The jirga members said the agreement would remain in effect for eight months, and any violations would be addressed under the Kohat agreement signed by the warring sides in January this year to establish lasting peace, including opening of roads, in Kurram.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed described Saturday’s peace agreement as a positive step and urged tribal elders to cooperate with the government to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Due to prolonged clashes and firing incidents, the main road and other routes in Kurram district had been closed for the past six months, causing severe hardships for residents due to the shortage of essential food items and medical facilities.
A ceasefire agreement was also reached earlier this year. However, the truce failed to result in peace and suffered setbacks after attacks continued on aid convoys, security personnel and government officials.
Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025