PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah announced on Friday that 48 individuals allegedly involved in recent violence and instability in Kurram district have been arrested as part of an ongoing crackdown against disruptive elements.
The region has been marred by clashes since October last year, resulting in the deaths of 189 people. Despite a peace agreement signed on January 1, attacks on supply convoys have continued. In the latest incident on Monday, over 30 trucks carrying essential goods were looted, while 19 trucks were set ablaze in attacks at Bagan, Charkhel, Ochat, and Mandori. Several security personnel and drivers lost their lives in the assault.
In response, security forces launched an operation in Lower Kurram on Thursday, arresting at least 30 miscreants and facilitators.
Following the violence, the KP chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) chaired a high-level meeting in Kohat to discuss the security situation. Officials decided to intensify operations against terrorist elements involved in the attacks.
Shahab Ali Shah stressed that strict action would be taken not only against miscreants but also their facilitators and supporters. He reaffirmed that no one would be allowed to challenge the state’s authority and that a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against those conspiring against the people of Kurram.
“We will not allow anyone to disrupt law and order. Peace and security are our priority for the prosperity of the people,” he stated.
The chief secretary commended the KP Police, Pakistan Army, and other security forces for their relentless efforts in maintaining peace. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defeating terrorism.
As part of the peace agreement, the KP apex committee ordered the removal of all bunkers in Kurram to restore stability. The government reported that over 150 bunkers have already been demolished, with the deadline set for March 23.
After the martyrdom of five security officials in multiple attacks on Monday, the KP government announced a fresh operation against militants. A late-night meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur decided to clear the Mandori and Ochat areas of miscreants.
With escalating violence in Kurram, the KP government is taking decisive action to restore peace. The ongoing operations, arrests, and crackdown on terrorist elements indicate the state’s firm stance against those disturbing stability in the region.
