Daily Times

The recent protests in Kurram district show the frustration of its residents, who have been facing road closures, violence and a lack of security for weeks. When there was no end to the unrest, residents held a massive demonstration and demanded the reopening of roads that had been shut down for nearly a month. The main Thall-Parachinar Road remained closed for over three weeks due to security concerns following attacks on passenger vehicles. This shutdown left Kurram’s population of over half a million without adequate access to food, medicine, and other essentials, making everyday life a struggle.

These hardships have forced the local population to take measures such as a peaceful march that began in Parachinar, the district headquarters. The march, led by tribal elders and joined by people of all ages, was not directed against any particular tribe or sect. Rather, it served as a plea for government action and an end to the insecurity plaguing the region. The tribal leaders were clear: this march symbolised a peaceful protest against the government’s inability to protect innocent people from ongoing violence.

On Friday, the residents ended their protest after government assurance that lawless elements would be reined in. The unrest in Kurram, unfortunately, is not a new issue. This area has been the site of longstanding tribal and sectarian tensions, worsened by the presence of militants who exploit these divides to create chaos. In recent months alone, dozens have lost their lives in violent clashes, and the need for peace and stability has never been more urgent. The attack on passenger vehicles just days prior, which claimed the lives of two innocent individuals, highlights the ever-present danger on the district’s roads.

The government and security forces must take meaningful steps to address this situation. Ensuring the safety of residents and travellers should be a top priority. This includes rooting out militant elements that continue to destabilise the area. Without a strong, consistent security presence, any temporary measures, such as road closures, will only provide short-lived relief, and the people of Kurram will remain vulnerable.

The peaceful stance of the protesters is commendable and should serve as a reminder to the authorities that the community desires security and peace, not more violence. Authorities must step up efforts to dismantle militant networks and ensure that residents can go about their daily lives without fear. Only through committed action against militants and a focus on community safety can lasting peace return to Kurram, allowing it to develop and thrive alongside the rest of Pakistan. *