Kurram grand jirga finally reaches agreement: report

The Kurram grand jirga has successfully reached a consensus, as both factions involved in the conflict signed a peace agreement on Wednesday.

Officials have indicated that the conflicting tribes have committed to implementing the decisions made during the provincial APEX Committee meeting in both letter and spirit.

An official announcement regarding the peace accord is set to take place at the Governor House in Peshawar. Following this agreement, all previously blocked roads in the Kurram district will be reopened, paving the way for lasting peace in the region.

The grand jirga has been engaged in discussions over the past three weeks in Kohat, facing a stalemate on several unresolved issues pertinent to the ongoing peace initiatives in the Kurram tribal district.

Despite ongoing consultations, a deadlock remained, particularly regarding the contentious requirement for the surrender of heavy weaponry to national advisors, which hindered the signing of the peace agreement.

The absence of consensus on this critical issue has left the peace process in the region stalled. While both parties have largely concurred on most elements of the agreement, the matter of weapon storage continues to create divisions.

Despite numerous discussions with local elders, one faction has yet to arrive at a resolution, perpetuating the impasse.

During the Jirga meeting, convened at Kohat Fort under the leadership of Commissioner Kohat Mutasim Bilal Shah, various issues were deliberated. Government officials emphasized that the risk of reopening roads cannot be undertaken until heavy weapons are surrendered.

One faction has insisted that all weapons from both parties be relinquished to the government and that the decisions of the Apex Committee be adhered to. Ongoing discussions are addressing this demand.

Additionally, government representatives informed the Jirga members that helicopter services have been initiated to transport medicines and other essential supplies to Kurram.

Health Advisor Ihtesham Ali reported that since December 13, over 16,000 patients have received treatment at the Parachinar DHQ, and health facilities throughout Kurram are delivering timely services.