A rocket attack on the third aid convoy heading to Kurram in Bagan has raised doubts about the stability of the recently signed Kurram peace agreement, police said on Thursday. The attack, which targeted a convoy delivering relief supplies, caused damage to one vehicle. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Following the incident, vehicles from the convoy began returning to Tal. Cargo trucks positioned at the Chapri checkpoint also started retreating.
According to the district administration, the first phase of the convoy comprised 35 cargo vehicles carrying essential items such as medicines, fruits, vegetables, and other food supplies. Additional vehicles were expected to proceed to Kurram in a second phase later that day.
To protect the convoy, security forces, including police and the Frontier Corps (FC), were deployed. However, the attack underscores the difficulties in enforcing the Kurram peace agreement.
Severe Challenges for Patients
At the same time, patients in Kurram are enduring significant difficulties due to the suspension of the helicopter service for medical transfers, which has now lasted 10 days. Dr. Mir Hussain Jan, the Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed the suspension and its impact during a media briefing. He explained that the helicopter service, essential for transporting patients and medicines, has been non-operational.
Dr. Jan shared that a formal request had been made to the district administration to reinstate the service. He stated that 74 patients require urgent transfers, as road travel is not feasible under the current conditions.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri asserted that the helicopter service remains operational.
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Over the past two weeks, the government has dispatched two aid shipments to Kurram, with the latest scheduled to reach the area on January 14. However, residents expressed concerns, arguing that 25 truckloads of supplies are inadequate. They called on the government to restore the helicopter service and ensure sufficient medical provisions.
Efforts to Implement the Peace Agreement
The district administration reiterated its dedication to reopening routes and facilitating relief efforts. Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan reported that four bunkers had been dismantled as part of the peace deal and assured that work is ongoing to fulfill all aspects of the agreement.
Kurram has experienced unrest since tribal clashes erupted in November 2024, resulting in over 130 deaths and a 100-day blockade. A peace agreement was eventually reached through the efforts of the Grand Jirga, the Kurram Peace Committee, and local peace groups.
The agreement, which consists of 14 points, includes measures such as clearing blockades and enabling the transport of aid. Despite these initiatives, the situation in Kurram remains volatile.
The rocket attack on the aid convoy highlights the fragility of the peace agreement and the need for sustained efforts to restore stability in the region.
