The removal of bunkers in the conflict-affected Kurram district is expected to begin today (Sunday), as per the directives of Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan said that as per the Kohat Peace Accord, all bunkers in the district will be demolished and weapons will be returned by February 1.
He added that during the initial phase, one village on each side will have its bunkers demolished. Security personnel will accompany the teams to ensure safety during operations.
Ashfaq Khan mentioned that relief supplies would be shipped after security clearance. He also noted that Section 144 remains enforced in Kurram, where sit-ins continue in three different locations.
It is worth mentioning that orders to demolish the bunkers in Kurram were issued yesterday following the decisions taken at the apex provincial committee meeting and agreements reached between the parties involved.
According to media reports, the deputy commissioner issued directives to the departments concerned to remove bunkers in villages of Lower Kurram, including Kharkali and Balishkhel, with work to begin immediately.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the executive engineers of the C&W department of Upper and Lower Kurram to be present at the site with necessary equipment and workers for the demolition process.
The notification said that initially the bunkers of one village on each side would be removed. A 14-member government team will supervise the operation in the two villages.
The decision to dismantle the Kurram bunkers was taken at a meeting of the supreme committee and included as a clause in the agreement between the parties involved.
Earlier, road closures in Kurram prevented the second convoy of trucks, carrying food and other daily items, from reaching the besieged district, where a group of policemen came under fire, reports said on Friday. officials and local sources.
According to the district administration, local residents had staged a sit-in at Mandori in Lower Kurram to press their demands. Due to the sit-in, the Tal-Parachinar highway was closed, he said, adding that negotiations were underway with the protest leaders in Tal Cantt for the reopening of the road.
According to Kurram police, trucks loaded with goods could not reach Upper Kurram as permission for the Lower Kurram road was not issued. They added that currently the convoy was stuck in Tal, Hangu district. The convoy was due to resume its journey on Saturday.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday slammed the PTI-led provincial government, accusing it of incompetence in handling security and governance.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the KP governor said the province had fallen into the hands of “incompetent individuals”, leading to widespread insecurity.
“KP has fallen into the hands of incompetent and incapable leaders. A government coming to power is leading the province towards turmoil,” Kundi said.
He added that when tourists are not allowed to visit the province, it is a clear indication that the situation is deteriorating.
