Seven injured as gunmen attack peace convoy in Pakistan's sectarian conflict-hit district

Seven individuals, including a local Deputy Commissioner, were injured on Saturday when unidentified assailants opened fire on an aid convoy heading to district Kurram in Pakistan's northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The region has been grappling with prolonged sectarian unrest and heightened tensions for months.

The convoy of 75 trucks was transporting food, medicines, gas cylinders, and other essential supplies to the region, which has remained cut off for the past 83 days due to the closure of the only highway connecting it to the rest of the country.

On January 1, all feuding tribes signed a peace accord, except for the one in Bagan. The convoy was traveling to Kurram as part of this agreement, under which the road was to be reopened today.

The jirga members highlighted that Karim Khan, one of the representatives of the Sunni tribe, had refused to sign the agreement, demanding compensation for the damages incurred by his people during a retaliatory clash.

Tensions in the area escalated on November 21 when gunmen attacked a convoy carrying members of the Shia community traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, killing 43 people. Over 150 people are reported to have died and 200 injured in retaliatory clashes.

The attack

The gunmen attacked Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud's vehicle in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram as he proceeded to hold talks with the protesting residents of Bagan.

Sources in the DC’s office said Bagan residents opposed the convoy’s passage, prompting the DC and security officials to go ahead of the main convoy for negotiations. "Upon reaching Bagan, they were ambushed," the source added.

The attack left him injured along with three Frontier Corps personnel, two policemen, and one civilian. They were taken to Tehsil Alizai Hospital for treatment.

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Convener of the Grand Jirga (peace committee), confirmed that the DC sustained two gunshot wounds to his back.

He was transferred from Alizai Hospital to Thal Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where he underwent surgery.

Later, Saif shared that both DC Javedullah Mehsud and one of the wounded security personnel were being airlifted to Peshawar for further treatment at Peshawar CMH. "Their condition is stable and not critical," he said.

Convoy halted due to 'security concerns'

The peace convoy remains stationed in the Chappri area due to the attack.

“The situation is fully under control, with security personnel managing the circumstances effectively. However, the convoy has been temporarily halted, and the clearance process is underway,” Saif said.

“The DC, although injured, is in stable condition. Arrangements are being made to airlift him to Peshawar,” Barrister Saif further told reporters.

Earlier, Saif, accompanied by the Kohat Commissioner, the DIG, and other officials, had reached Chappri to lead the convoy of the 75 trucks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur demanded an immediate report, warning of strict action against those responsible.

“This deliberate attempt to derail peace in Kurram will not succeed. The peace agreement reflects the region’s desire for stability,” he said.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack, calling it “deeply regrettable”.

He criticized the provincial government for its “incompetence and failure to ensure safety”.

Reports of more injuries among security personnel have surfaced, but the Frontier Corps advised waiting for an official statement from the Pakistan military's media wing.

'Decisive action' against attackers

Chief Minister Gandapur presided over a late-night emergency meeting to address the Bagan incident. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police, were also present.

The meeting reviewed the situation following the attack and expressed serious concern over the firing on government officials and security forces. It was resolved that residents found guilty of violating the peace agreement in the area would be held accountable.

Decisive actions, including the registration of FIRs and the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack, were approved during the meeting. Authorities also announced bounties for the capture or elimination of the terrorists to expedite their apprehension.

A zero-tolerance policy was reiterated, with instructions to take strict action against terrorists and their facilitators without exception.

The agreement

After weeks of intense negotiations, the grand tribal jirga finalized, on January 1, a 14-point peace agreement to resolve escalating sectarian tensions in Kurram.

The deal was signed after more than 50 sessions overseen by the Commissioner of Kohat Division and mediated by the provincial government.

Barrister Saif confirmed on the day that, "Both sides have agreed on the demolition of bunkers and surrender of heavy weapons." He added that one party had signed earlier, with the second completing the process on Wednesday.

However, while most parties agreed to the accord, Karim Khan from Bagan withheld his signature, demanding compensation for damages sustained during a November 21 attack that killed over 30 people and destroyed homes.

The 14-point agreement included:

• Resolving land disputes under the Murree Agreement
• Rehabilitating displaced residents
• Collecting heavy and light weapons
• Disbanding bunkers within a month
• Enforcing strict action against hate speech

Local and district peace committees will mediate disputes. Persistent conflicts will escalate to the grand jirga and government for resolution. Violators will face strict penalties, and neighboring villages may be held accountable unless proven otherwise.