The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee on Friday decided to dismantle all bunkers in Kurram district as part of measures aimed at restoring peace after weeks of tribal clashes left the region isolated from the rest of the country.
Since the clashes started last month, at least 130 people have been killed and over 200 others injured. Road closures due to the unrest have triggered shortages of essential commodities. Local have lamented limited access to medicine and food, though the government maintains needs are being met. Amidst the lingering tensions, the provincial government formed a Jirga to work toward peace. Its efforts have yet to bear fruit, though senior officials have said they are nearing 90 percent consensus on pending issues.
“Lasting peace is not possible without the eradication of bunkers and weapons,” read a statement issued after the Apex Committee meeting, which was also attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The decisions echoes an earlier directive to security forces from the chief minister. He had order the dismantling of bunkers occupied by rival tribes and the seizure of heavy weapons from locals until peace was restored. Both Gandapur and his aide Muhammad Ali Saif have stressed that Kurram cannot be normalized until all armed groups lay down their weapons.
The statement issued after the meeting said the Apex Committee had decided to ensure the timely provision of medicines and other essential items to Kurram. It stressed that private bunkers would be dismantled “at all costs.” The presence of weapons, it said, must be eliminated for sustained peace. “All land routes would open only when the heavy weaponry has been removed,” it decided.
The meeting also reviewed the steps taken by the Jirga to achieve consensus, urging it to continue its efforts. To expedite the process, it directed a supervisory committee to monitor the situation. “The federal government should take steps to establish peace and order in the province,” Gandapur said. Naqvi affirmed that the government was determined to maintain peace and would take all necessary steps to achieve it.
Prior to the Apex Committee meeting, Naqvi met Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s Office in Peshawar. A statement issued by the Interior Ministry said the two exchanged views on establishing peace in Kurram. “We will fully support increasing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Naqvi said. “Establishing peace in Kurram is our top priority.”
Assuring the KP chief minister of “every possible cooperation” in this regard, he stressed on the need to take steps that yielded lasting peace with the support of all stakeholders. Both leaders also paid tribute to the security personnel martyred while combating terrorism.