On Tuesday, tribesmen in Lower Kurram staged a protest by placing the bodies of two passengers, Ishaq Hussain and Waseem Hussain, on the road. The victims, residents of Parachinar, were killed two days ago in the Bagan area, with their throats slit. Their bodies were handed over to their relatives earlier in the day. The demonstration demanded the immediate arrest of the killers and drew attention to the ongoing lawlessness in the region.
Background of the Killings
According to tribal leader Jalal Bangash, the victims were on their way from Peshawar to Parachinar when they were promised safe passage by members of a rival group. Despite paying Rs70,000 for protection, they were murdered. This incident follows an attack on a convoy in the Bagan area on November 21, which killed at least 50 passengers and escalated violence in the region. Since then, all roads in Kurram, including the Parachinar Highway, have remained closed. Protesters are demanding the reopening of the highway, which they say is crucial for millions of people who are suffering due to the closure.
Kukikhel Elder Detained
In a separate development, Jamrud police detained prominent Kukikhel elder Malak Naseer Ahmad following a meeting with the District Police Officer (DPO). This led to protests by Kukikhel tribesmen, who blocked the Peshawar-Torkham Highway. Ahmad, along with two others, was arrested on charges related to a protest in October and involvement in anti-state activities during a Pakhtun grand jirga organized by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement. The exact reason for the arrest remains unclear.
Call for Road Reopening and Allegations of Foreign Involvement
Former federal minister Sajid Turi also weighed in on the situation, calling for the reopening of roads in Kurram to prevent shortages of essential supplies. He dismissed claims that the unrest was solely sectarian, suggesting foreign elements may be involved. Turi warned that if the government failed to act, they would take matters into their own hands.
