Ali Orakzai
The claim made by state authorities that the violence in Kurram district, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), is merely the result of a ‘tribal dispute’ has come under serious scrutiny in light of recent events. While the longstanding tribal disagreements over land and water have certainly contributed to the instability in the region, the reality is much more complex. Sectarian groups and terrorist organizations have been quick to exploit these tribal tensions, establishing a foothold in Kurram and exacerbating the violence. The state’s delayed and inadequate response to these issues has now reached a breaking point, as evidenced by the recent attacks and the rising humanitarian crisis.
The latest flare-up of violence in Kurram occurred on Thursday when militants targeted a convoy in the Bagan area, resulting in the tragic loss of two security personnel. This attack is the second of its kind in recent months, with a previous assault having targeted the then Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kurram, who narrowly escaped. In the most recent incident, militants not only ambushed the convoy but also looted trucks carrying goods to Parachinar. The bodies of four drivers were found later, bearing signs of torture with their hands bound. This violent act serves as a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The state’s delayed response has raised serious questions about its priorities and commitment to protecting its citizens. Had the authorities—at all levels, from the central government to the provincial KP administration and the security forces—taken decisive action when violence first erupted last year, much of the bloodshed could have been prevented. Unfortunately, the state chose to deny the severity of the situation, allowing the simmering tensions in Kurram to boil over into the current crisis. Now, with thousands of civilians displaced due to the ongoing counterterrorism operation, the repercussions of this inaction are being felt across the district.
A key factor that has complicated the situation is the presence of local militants, including factions aligned with banned organizations like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K). These groups have found ideological allies just across the border in Afghanistan, which has further fueled their activities in Kurram. The cross-border element adds a layer of complexity to the conflict, as local militants receive support and guidance from their counterparts in Afghanistan. This regional dimension to the violence is something the state has failed to adequately address, allowing these groups to operate with relative impunity.
While land and water disputes have certainly played a role in stoking tensions in Kurram, they are not the root cause of the violence. These conflicts, often portrayed as ‘tribal disputes,’ have been exacerbated by the involvement of terrorist and sectarian organizations. Rather than focusing solely on these tribal conflicts, the state should have recognized the growing threat posed by these armed groups and taken swift action to neutralize them. By failing to do so, the state has allowed the situation to spiral out of control, with civilians now bearing the brunt of the violence.
The state’s lack of urgency in addressing the issues at hand is further illustrated by the mishandling of the blockade that was imposed on Parachinar after the deadly targeting of a convoy in Lower Kurram last November. For months, the main town of Parachinar was cut off from the rest of the country, creating a grave humanitarian crisis. The blockade severely affected the civilian population, particularly children and newborns, who suffered from a lack of food, medicine, and essential supplies. The state’s failure to prioritize the welfare of its citizens during this critical period not only worsened the humanitarian situation but also contributed to the overall instability in the region.
Despite the growing violence, the state continued to drag its feet in addressing the underlying issues. Even when a peace agreement was brokered by a local jirga on January 1, it failed to stem the violence. The fact that a counterterrorism operation is now being seen as the last resort is a clear indication that the state’s earlier efforts were insufficient. If the authorities had neutralized terrorist and sectarian groups—regardless of their confessional affiliations—at the outset of the crisis, Kurram may not have reached this boiling point. The failure to act decisively earlier has allowed these groups to grow stronger, making the current operation more difficult and the prospect of lasting peace even more uncertain.
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The blockade of Parachinar, and any similar action in the future, should never have been tolerated by the state. The fact that such a measure was allowed to continue for months demonstrates a shocking lack of urgency and empathy for the people of Kurram. The state’s inability to respond swiftly and effectively to the crisis has not only exacerbated the violence but also shattered public trust in its ability to maintain law and order. The residents of Kurram, who have long endured violence and instability, now find themselves abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them.
Looking ahead, the future of Kurram remains uncertain. The ongoing counterterrorism operation, while necessary to eliminate militant groups, will undoubtedly displace more civilians and further disrupt daily life in the region. The state must act swiftly to mitigate the impact on the civilian population, ensuring that displaced people are provided with adequate shelter, food, and medical care. Additionally, the authorities must take a long-term approach to peacebuilding, addressing the root causes of conflict, such as tribal disputes, sectarian tensions, and the presence of militant groups. Only through a comprehensive and sustained effort can Kurram hope to achieve lasting peace.
The government must also address the broader implications of its handling of the Kurram crisis. The state’s delayed response, coupled with its failure to take decisive action against militants and sectarian groups, has exposed significant weaknesses in its governance and security structures. Moving forward, the government must learn from its mistakes and develop a more proactive and coordinated approach to conflict resolution and security in Kurram and other vulnerable regions. Only by taking swift, decisive action can the state begin to rebuild trust with its citizens and ensure that similar crises do not erupt elsewhere in the future.
In conclusion, the violence in Kurram district is not merely a result of a ‘tribal dispute,’ as state functionaries would like the public to believe. It is a complex and multifaceted crisis, fueled by a combination of tribal tensions, sectarian violence, and the activities of terrorist organizations. The state’s failure to address these issues with urgency and clarity has allowed the situation to escalate to its current level of violence and instability. Now, with thousands of civilians displaced and the security forces engaged in a counterterrorism operation, the government faces a daunting challenge in restoring peace to this troubled region. Only by addressing the root causes of conflict and taking a more proactive approach to security can the state hope to prevent further bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Kurram.
