Daily Times

This year has seen over 150 deaths in Kurram district, of which 90 were killed in the ongoing wave of violence. The violence is not about the toll; it is a reminder of the state’s failure to maintain order in its own territory. The ongoing hostilities are marked by mortar attacks and sporadic gunfights. The surreal sight of tribes exchanging hostages and dead bodies, looks like a 1890 movie story. The clash highlights a level of lawlessness that should be unimaginable in any sovereign state.

It is deeply troubling that a country’s government has been reduced to mediating truces between warring factions rather than enforcing the rule of law. The government’s inaction has emboldened armed groups, backed by including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Militants’ growing influence looms large over the region. This vacuum of authority, exacerbated by the lack of a decisive military or political response, risks plunging Kurram into prolonged instability and threatens to spread unrest across Pakistan.

The bizarre spectacle of tribal elders negotiating ceasefires and facilitating hostage exchanges is a medieval approach to conflict resolution. Such approaches are wholly unfit for the modern age. Nowhere else in the world would local factions dictate peace terms while the state stands as a silent observer. This is simply abdication of responsibility eroding Pakistan’s sovereignty. If militant factions and tribal rivalries go unchecked, they will expand their reach, eroding the government’s credibility and authority further.

The inaction is compounded by logistical failures. With roads blocked and health facilities running out of essential supplies, civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The government’s inability to secure safe passage for aid or provide medical assistance highlights its lack of preparedness and compassion.

Moreover, the ceasefire efforts led by local elders and jirgas reveal the inadequacies of official mechanisms. While the jirga system has cultural significance, its role should supplement, not substitute, the state’s law enforcement capabilities. Allowing it to take the lead in such crises signals institutional weakness and a concerning over-reliance on outdated conflict resolution practices.

The federal and provincial governments must wake up to the gravity of the situation. *