Peace has begun to emerge in the conflict-ridden district as educational institutions reopened on Monday following days of violence that resulted in approximately 100 deaths.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mahsud reported that all schools and colleges resumed classes after a ceasefire was established through jirga mediation.
Cellular services, disrupted since the clashes last month, were also restored.
However, the main highway connecting Parachinar in upper Kurram to Peshawar remains closed to traffic.
This highway experienced a severe attack on November 21, when an ambush killed about 40 people. It has been largely inaccessible for the past 50 days, only open for vehicular use on ten occasions.
Read: Kurram Tribal Conflict: Death Toll Soars to 122 with Additional 12 Fatalities
The road closures have led to significant food shortages and daily necessities in the district.
Deputy Commissioner Mahsud mentioned that the conflicting parties have abandoned their trenches, now occupied by security forces and police, who are aiding in stabilizing the area.
In a meeting on Monday, a grand jirga appointed by the provincial government and led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur committed to starting formal negotiations to resolve the disputes and ensure lasting peace. The jirga plans to visit Kurram soon to begin discussions.
Chief Minister Gandapur thanked the jirga members for their support and assured them of the provincial government’s assistance in facilitating the negotiations. He is optimistic that the jirga’s efforts will achieve a durable peace in Kurram.
