The inking of a peace agreement between warring tribes in Kurram district paves the way for stability in a region marred by years of sectarian violence—if authorities can effectively implement it.
Negotiated by a grand Jirga, the 14-point accord calls for the surrender of weapons from both sides and the dismantling of private bunkers. Achieved after weeks of negotiations, it reflects a commendable commitment from both sides to cease hostilities and work toward lasting peace.
Simmering for months, the conflict escalated in November 2024 after a deadly ambush killed 52 individuals. The killings acted as a spark in a tinderbox, igniting further clashes, resulting in over 130 deaths and severe disruptions to daily life. Sustained road closures caused shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis for the over 600,000 residents of the district. Tragically, at least 100 children lost their lives due to limited access to medical care.
The signed agreement is a testament to the power of dialogue and reflects locals’ desire for sustainable peace. It calls for an immediate ceasefire and the formation of a committee within 15 days to oversee enforcement, both positive steps toward de-escalation.
The true measure of the accord’s success, however, lies in its effective implementation. Pessimism isn’t entirely unwarranted. Previous ceasefires have faltered, triggering renewed violence and divisions. If either party deviates from the agreement, sectarian strife could reignite, engulfing the region in violence.
On the government’s part, it must ensure transparency in the dismantling of bunkers and surrendering of weapons. Additionally, steps must be taken to reopen main highways to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and signal a return to normalcy. If authorities cannot ensure the safety of all residents during this process, trust in the state’s writ will remain little more than an ephemeral aspiration.
The provincial government must now step up and take the leadership role it has offloaded to the grand Jirga. It must allocate resources for reconstruction, facilitate ongoing dialogue, and ensure security to achieve sustainable peace. Efforts to address underlying issues that have fueled sectarian tensions, such as land disputes and political representation, must also take priority.
The agreement offers a light in the darkness that has engulfed the people of Kurram for far too long. But realizing it will require an unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation. All stakeholders must seize this opportunity to break the cycle of violence—or risk perpetuating the conflict for another generation.
Achieving lasting peace calls for unwavering commitment from all stakeholders—not only to implement the accord but also to address the root causes of the conflict. Only by doing so can the people of Kurram, and Pakistan as a whole, secure the reward of a peaceful and prosperous future at the end of the tunnel.