Pakistan’s Kurram peace talks stall as disarmament delays continue

A key round of peace talks between Sunni and Shia leaders in Pakistan’s violence-hit Kurram district ended Friday without a major breakthrough, leaving the region’s stability in doubt.

The second face-to-face jirga, held in Peshawar, aimed at enforcing a 14-point peace agreement signed on Jan. 1. Leaders from both sides agreed on disarmament and bunker demolitions, but implementation remains uncertain.

Govt urged to act

“The responsibility for enforcing these decisions lies with the government,” said Izzat Gul Orakzai, a member of the Grand Jirga. He added that the face-to-face jirga’s recommendations would be presented to authorities, with a larger meeting planned soon.

A ‘ray of hope’ amid tensions

Despite the lack of a decisive outcome, some leaders saw progress. Jalal Hussain Bangash, secretary of Anjuman Hussainia, welcomed the direct dialogue.

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“For the first time, both sides have come together,” he said. Munir Bangash, president of Anjuman Farooqia, described the session as a “ray of hope.”

“The participants embraced one another and shared a meal, sending a strong message that coexistence is possible,” he added.

Disarmament remains key

Eid Nazar Mengal Farooqui, a Sunni community representative, warned that peace would remain fragile without full disarmament.

“Some progress has been made in demolishing bunkers, but the next crucial step is for both sides to present their disarmament plan to the Grand Jirga,” he said.

Faizullah, another Grand Jirga member, said efforts were underway to agree on a framework for surrendering weapons. If no consensus is reached, the Grand Jirga will impose a final plan.

Pakistan Army, FC personnel, and KP police officers traverse the hillsides of Bagan in Kurram district on January 17, 2025, after launching a military operation in the region. Shaheen Orazkai, Kurram resident

Authorities had set a Feb. 1 deadline for disarmament, but delays have slowed progress. However, Faizullah insisted, “The decision will be implemented without fail.”

Local officials say 24 bunkers have been dismantled in Khar Kali and Balish Khel, with more removals expected soon.

A history of violence

Kurram, which borders Afghanistan, has long suffered from sectarian violence. Tensions escalated on Nov. 21, 2024, when an attack on a convoy from Parachinar to Peshawar killed 43 people. Retaliatory violence left over 150 dead and more than 200 injured, shutting down key roads.

By December, severe shortages had led to the reported deaths of 31 children due to a lack of medicines. Protests erupted nationwide, particularly among Pakistan’s Shia community.

People mourn over the graves of relatives who were killed after gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in the Kurram tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in Shalozan, Pakistan November 22, 2024. Reuters

In January, the Kurram Grand Jirga brokered a peace deal, but sporadic violence persisted, delaying aid and prompting military operations.

On Jan. 17, a deadly attack on a food supply convoy led to a government crackdown in Bagan. Tensions flared again on Jan. 24 with the arrest of Shia leader Muzamil Hussain Agha. A Grand Jirga meeting the following day ended without resolution after one faction walked out.