Life returning to normal as schools start reopening; mobile services to be restored
DI KHAN:
For the second day in succession, peace has prevailed in the violence-wracked Kurram tribal district as guns silenced themselves after a political jirga brokered a ceasefire. Weeks of deadly conflict are taking the district back to normalcy
Schools and universities, which had been closed for more than two weeks, reopened today, while mobile communication services were being restored gradually. The truce ended the heavy fighting that had killed more than 131 people and left the region in disarray.
Truce Brings Hope of Stability
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud confirmed that the ceasefire is now fully in place, attributing its success to the concerted efforts of the jirga. The residents of the district are cautiously optimistic as the region starts its journey towards stability and reconstruction.
Government Announces Measures to Ensure Long-Term Peace
In a session of the provincial assembly on Monday, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government unveiled plans to disarm the Kurram district and dismantle bunkers that have long symbolized conflict in the region. Law Minister Aftab Alam said that the government was committed to restoring peace and establishing its authority.
Alam declared that a thorough operation would be initiated to clear the district of weapons and to remove all bunkers. He added that the government is serious about establishing a peaceful and prosperous atmosphere for the people of Kurram.
Call for Permanent Peace
During the session, opposition member Riaz Shaheen highlighted the dire consequences of the conflict that erupted in October. He pointed out the severe impact on civilians, stating that over 13 people had lost their lives, 188 were injured, and thousands of families were displaced.
Shaheen urged the government to focus on establishing lasting peace, stressing that temporary measures would not suffice. He also noted the widespread destruction caused by the conflict, including the damage to over 450 shops and 1,500 homes.
Restoring Normalcy Through Unity
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati questioned the government’s progress in implementing peace strategies, particularly after the chief minister convened a jirga to address the crisis.
The Law Minister, Aftab Alam, said that discussions and negotiations at different levels have been conducted to stabilize Kurram. He said that Chief Minister Gandapur, along with other important officials, had met local leaders and stakeholders to devise workable plans.
Focus on Rebuilding and Development
The provincial government shared its vision for turning Kurram into a tourist and investment hub. As it markets the area’s natural endowments and job opportunities, authorities expect the revival of local economies and a sustainable culture of peace.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for negotiation in dealing with basic issues. He also guaranteed that the government was there to rebuild Kurram and regain hope for its citizens.
Way Forward for Kurram
The grand jirga, consisting of respected individuals such as former federal minister Pir Noor-ul-Haq Qadri and former senator Saleh Shah, has played a significant role in ensuring the ceasefire. This is an important step towards reconciliation and healing in Kurram.
Though there are challenges ahead, the destruction of bunkers and disarmament operations are likely to open up the future to better times. The government‘s holistic approach that combines security measures with developmental initiatives is a renewed commitment to lasting peace in the region.
Meanwhile, the people of Kurram and the government, as a whole, will have to share collective responsibility so that the fragile peace maintained would be reinforced and scars of conflict replaced with hope and prosperity.
