Peshawar, February 4 (PTI) – Authorities in northwest Pakistan's conflict-hit Kurram district have demolished more than 30 bunkers as part of a peace agreement aimed at ending sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia tribes, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The peace accord, signed on January 4 between the Alizai and Bagan tribes, followed deadly clashes that claimed 133 lives between November 21 and December 2. As per the agreement, residents have agreed to surrender their weapons in phases within 15 days, while the complete dismantling of bunkers is scheduled for completion by the end of February.
Local authorities, supported by district administration officials, began the demolition process on January 10, using explosives to destroy the fortifications. More than 250 bunkers exist across both lower and upper Kurram districts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that removing these bunkers was essential for maintaining public order and fostering long-term peace in the region. Many locals expressed optimism that these efforts would help restore stability after years of sectarian conflict.
The region has also been grappling with severe shortages of food and medicine due to prolonged road blockades. In response, official sources reported that 453 vehicles carrying essential supplies have so far reached Kurram, while relief funds are being distributed among affected families.
The violent clashes were triggered by a deadly attack on passenger vans near Parachinar on November 21 last year, which left 57 people dead. The peace initiative is seen as a crucial step in preventing further violence and rebuilding trust among the warring tribes.
The peace accord, signed on January 4 between the Alizai and Bagan tribes, followed deadly clashes that claimed 133 lives between November 21 and December 2. As per the agreement, residents have agreed to surrender their weapons in phases within 15 days, while the complete dismantling of bunkers is scheduled for completion by the end of February.
Local authorities, supported by district administration officials, began the demolition process on January 10, using explosives to destroy the fortifications. More than 250 bunkers exist across both lower and upper Kurram districts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that removing these bunkers was essential for maintaining public order and fostering long-term peace in the region. Many locals expressed optimism that these efforts would help restore stability after years of sectarian conflict.
The region has also been grappling with severe shortages of food and medicine due to prolonged road blockades. In response, official sources reported that 453 vehicles carrying essential supplies have so far reached Kurram, while relief funds are being distributed among affected families.
The violent clashes were triggered by a deadly attack on passenger vans near Parachinar on November 21 last year, which left 57 people dead. The peace initiative is seen as a crucial step in preventing further violence and rebuilding trust among the warring tribes.
