KURRAM: Following weeks of violent conflict in Kurram tribal district that claimed over 131 lives, a grand jirga of tribal elders has declared an indefinite ceasefire, ensuring that trenches will remain vacant until a final decision is reached.
The jirga, comprising more than 100 tribal elders, convened under the supervision of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. The Commissioner of Kohat Division, Mutasim Billah Shah, and DIG Shir Akbar Khan led the deliberations.
After extensive individual and collective meetings with all parties involved, the jirga announced the ceasefire as a critical step towards achieving sustainable peace in the conflict-ridden region. The participants emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through violence and committed to working toward a long-term resolution of the deeply rooted issues plaguing Kurram.
In a collective statement, the jirga declared, “We will remain in session until full and lasting peace is established in Kurram, carrying the message of peace to our respective areas.” Kohat Commissioner Mutasim Billah Shah affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining state authority and supporting durable peace.
Ahead of the jirga’s decision, Chief Minister Gandapur had met with the grand jirga members to discuss formal negotiations and conflict resolution strategies. During Monday’s K-P Assembly session, the government announced plans to disarm Kurram and dismantle bunkers in the district as part of restoring law and order.
Law Minister Aftab Alam emphasized the need to establish government authority, stating, “An operation will be conducted to make Kurram weapon-free, and all bunkers will be demolished.”
The conflict, which began in October, has devastated the region, opposition member Riaz Shaheen reported during the session. He highlighted the widespread destruction, including the closure of all routes, displacing over 10,000 people.
“More than 130 people have been killed, 188 injured, and over 450 shops and 1,500 homes have been destroyed,” Shaheen said, underlining the severe toll on women, children, and livelihoods in the region.
The grand jirga’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Kurram’s efforts to rebuild peace and stability.
