Soldier killed, seven hurt in rocket attack on aid convoy in violence-hit Pakistan district

One soldier was killed and seven people including three soldiers were injured on Thursday when a rocket struck an aid convoy heading to Kurram in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province damaging five vehicles, officials said.

Security sources confirmed that an army soldier was killed and three others were injured in Bagan attack. "The injured soldiers are in stable condition," they added.

The attack occurred in the Bagan area, targeting a 35-vehicle convoy carrying essential food supplies to the sectarian violence-hit region.

The attack marks the second assault on aid convoys heading to the district, which has been cut off from the rest of the country for over three months due to the closure of its only highway.

A day earlier, armed assailants targeted a PTCL vehicle in the Bagan area. The technician on board escaped unhurt, though the vehicle was struck by multiple bullets as the driver managed to evade the ambush.

An earlier attack on January 4 targeted a 75-truck convoy carrying food, medicine, and other supplies, injuring seven people, including a local deputy commissioner. Despite these challenges, aid deliveries have continued, with a second convoy of 15 vehicles successfully reaching Parachinar on January 8, and another delivering relief goods to Bagan.

The attack follows escalating protests in Kurram, where traders launched a shutter-down strike on January 13 to demand the reopening of roads and compensation for conflict-related losses. While some aid has reached the district, local business leaders reported hundreds of fully loaded trucks remaining stranded, leaving most shops empty and worsening the region’s supply crisis.

The attack

The incident unfolded as a group of 13 vehicles from the convoy entered Bagan.

Five vehicles were targeted, with two set ablaze. Security forces returned fire, forcing the unidentified attackers to flee, according to officials.

Four civilians were injured in the attack, with one in serious condition. Dr. Zakir, who attended to the injured at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Manduri, confirmed the injuries, stating that the victims were given first aid before being referred to Peshawar for further treatment.

"One individual is in critical condition, having sustained three bullet wounds to the abdomen," he added.

Several vehicles managed to retreat safely towards the Chappri area, avoiding further harm.

Police said the assailants attempted to loot the convoy before security forces returned fire.

Meetings of delegations

Earlier, delegations from Sunni and Shia communities held separate meetings with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information Barrister Saif to address the obstacles hindering the peace agreement's implementation.

Both sides expressed their concerns while reaffirming their commitment to the full execution of all government decisions, including the dismantling of bunkers.

Barrister Saif assured that the concerns would be addressed promptly, emphasizing the provincial government’s seriousness about the Kurram issue.

“Lasting peace can only be achieved through the cooperation of both parties and the public,” he said, further urging both communities and the public to remain vigilant against those attempting to disrupt harmony.

“A large convoy of relief goods for the Kurram region will be dispatched soon,” he added.

Rising prices in Parachinar

Nazir Ahmed, speaking to Nukta, reported that over 200 vehicles carrying essential goods remain stranded in Tall, Hangu, leaving residents struggling to find basic necessities.

“The closure of key routes has left people searching day and night for essentials, with many unable to find what they need,” he said.

According to Parachinar residents, essential goods have seen dramatic price hikes: a 16-kilogram pack of ghee now costs PKR 10,500, tea is priced at PKR 2,100 per kilogram, and tomatoes have risen to PKR 750 per kilogram.

Other staples, such as onions, are being sold at PKR 600, green chilies at PKR 1,000, and a dozen eggs at PKR 900. Prices for vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes have surged to PKR 500 per kilogram.

Hassan, a local resident, told Nukta that the cost of living has spiraled out of control, making it impossible for many to afford even basic items.

“We are better off dead because no one cares about our plight, and there is no seriousness from the authorities to address our problems,” he lamented.

Only two convoys of 50 trucks carrying poultry, vegetables, medicine, and other essentials have reached Parachinar since January 8, according to District Administration of Kurram.

Three-day ultimatum

Meanwhile, the Shia community has issued a three-day ultimatum to the government following the Bagan incident, warning of potential withdrawal from the peace agreement.

Jalal Hussain Bangash, General Secretary of Anjuman Hussainia from Parachinar, stated that if the government fails to secure the routes, ensure the delivery of essential goods, and take action against militants in Bagan within three days, the community will distance itself from the peace accord.

"If other members of Jirga violate the agreement, the people of Parachinar would also decide their future course of action independently,” he added.

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.

The crisis intensified on November 21 last year when an attack on a convoy traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar left 43 dead, triggering retaliatory violence that claimed over 150 lives and injured 200 more while also shutting down the district's main highway.

By December 2024, 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, 2024, 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.

After successful negotiations, the first aid convoy reached Parachinar on Jan 8.