Aid reaches Pakistan's blockaded Kurram district after 90-day crisis

Aid convoys reached the remote Pakistani city of Parachinar on Wednesday, bringing relief to over 400,000 residents who have been cut off from essential supplies for nearly three months due to sectarian violence in the northwestern Kurram district near the Afghan border.

"The first convoy carrying food items and supplies has reached Parachinar," Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan said in a video statement, calling for public cooperation with law enforcement to maintain the fragile peace.

Local sources informed Nuktathat 15 vehicles carrying chicken, eggs, and other food items have arrived in Parachinar, while a separate convoy of 10 vehicles delivered relief goods to Bagan. An additional 15 large trucks are expected to arrive by nightfall, the sources said.

The breakthrough came after successful negotiations between government officials and local residents. The Kurram Grand Jirga, with representation from local tribal elders, played a key role in mediating the agreement.

Provincial government spokesman Barrister Saif announced that more relief convoys would follow once stability is established. "After successful negotiations with local protesters, we have managed to restore the supply route," Saif said. "This is just the beginning of our efforts to normalize the situation in Kurram."

DC Ashfaq Khan emphasized that authorities would take "strict action" against those responsible for the January 4 attack on his predecessor's convoy, which had temporarily derailed earlier peace negotiations. Seven people, including former Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud, were injured in that incident.

The aid delivery marks a potential turning point for the region, where food shortages and lack of medical supplies had created a humanitarian crisis that sparked nationwide protests. Local officials are now focused on maintaining the delicate peace that allowed Wednesday's convoy to pass.

Crisis timeline

Situated strategically along the Afghanistan border, Kurram has long been a center of sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Its complex tribal structure and history of militant activity have made achieving lasting peace a persistent challenge.

By December, the blockade had created severe shortages in Parachinar, with local health officials reporting 31 children had died due to medicine shortages. The crisis sparked nationwide protests, particularly from Pakistan's Shia community.

On December 20, the provincial apex committee on security gave both sides 15 days to sign an agreement, mandating the removal of all private bunkers and weapons to restore normalcy in the district.

On January 1, 2025, the Kurram Grand Jirga finalized a peace agreement with key stakeholders signing a 14-point accord, though some stakeholders refused to sign. The agreement included provisions for resolving land disputes, rehabilitating displaced residents, collecting weapons, dismantling bunkers, and enforcing strict action against hate speech.

Following the peace accord, the government announced the reopening of roads. However, before the main convoy could depart for Parachinar, the situation deteriorated when Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud's convoy was attacked in Bagan on January 4, leaving seven injured including the ex-DC.

Today, after successful negotiations, the first aid convoy reached Parachinar. The delivery included 25 vehicles carrying food and relief supplies to both Parachinar and Bagan, with more trucks expected to arrive by night, marking the first successful aid delivery in nearly 90 days.