200 people, including 128 children, reportedly dead due to food, medicine shortages in Kurram

A devastating humanitarian crisis unfolded in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a severe shortage of food and medicine allegedly claimed 200 lives, including 128 children, according to a local organisation.

It has been 84 days since the road blockade in Kurram District, and the humanitarian situation is worsening with each passing day.

Currently, residents of Kurram District are protesting outside the press club in Parachinar, while a sit-in has been launched in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram in protest against the damage to shops and houses in the area.

However, the protesters made it clear that the sit-in will continue until their demands are met.

Meanwhile, the Peshawar-Parachinar road, which leads to the Pak-Afghan border, has been closed for more than two and a half months, creating a critical and distressing situation for the citizens.

Social activist Mir Afzal stated that all commodities have run out due to the road closure, and markets have closed as they no longer have goods to sell.

Official records from a local organisation showed the tragic toll of 200 fatalities, including 128 children.

Several cancer patients also succumbed to their illnesses due to a crippling shortage of life-saving medications.

According to the local organisation, the humanitarian crisis would have worsened if medicines had not been arranged.

The district administration stated that transportation routes were closed due to security concerns following shootings at passenger vehicles and clashes. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue through negotiations.

Deputy Commissioner Karam mentioned that a jirga (tribal council) between the parties is ongoing, and the routes will be reopened once a final decision is reached.