Lower Kurram – The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kurram, Javedullah Mehsud, was among five people injured in a shooting incident involving government vehicles in Lower Kurram. The attack took place near Irfani Killi in Tehsil Alizai, where Mehsud’s vehicle was targeted.
Initial reports confirm that two security personnel and three bystanders were also injured in the attack. Both security officials were transported to the Tehsil Lower Alizai Hospital for treatment. Local authorities confirmed the shooting occurred near the Bagan area of Lower Kurram, where intermittent firing is reported to continue.
Following the attack, a search operation was launched, with the Kohat Regional Police Officer (RPO) stating that the assailants remain unidentified and were not part of warring factions.
Barrister Saif, an advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, confirmed that the injured DC and his guard were airlifted to Peshawar for further medical treatment. Mehsud, who underwent surgery at Tal CMH, was reported to have been hit by three bullets but is now out of danger. Barrister Saif assured that additional medical facilities are being provided at Peshawar CMH.
Security Forces in Control, Situation Stabilized
Barrister Saif, along with Kohat Commissioner Motasim Billah and senior officials, confirmed that the situation is under control, with security forces overseeing the area. He described the attack as a “sinister conspiracy” by unknown miscreants and urged for peace while warning against provocation. Though the convoy was temporarily halted, it is expected to resume its journey soon after clearance.
CM Gandapur Demands Urgent Report, Condemns Attack
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the attack and called for an urgent report from higher authorities. He vowed strict action against those responsible, expressing deep concern over the incident, which he views as an attempt to disrupt peace efforts in Kurram.
The Chief Minister also extended his well wishes to the injured, including DC Mehsud, and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to restoring peace in the region. Gandapur hailed the recent peace agreement between local tribes as a significant step toward regional stability and emphasized that the people of Kurram are committed to peace.
Relief Efforts and Peace Agreement Developments
In addition to the security response, relief operations are underway to assist those affected by the ongoing crisis in Kurram. Seventeen trucks, loaded with essential supplies like tents, blankets, and medical kits, were dispatched after hours of coordination. These supplies were handed over to the Kurram administration by Naik Muhammad, KP’s Advisor for Relief.
This incident follows the reopening of the Tal-Parachinar road after a three-month closure due to sectarian violence and tribal clashes. The road’s reopening, following a peace agreement, has allowed for the passage of essential supplies, including food, medicine, and wheat, into the conflict-affected area. Barrister Saif, who was present during the convoy’s departure, highlighted the critical role of peace committees in ensuring the security of the region and convoys.
The peace agreement reached last week includes plans for disarming local residents, dismantling private bunkers, and restoring order over the coming weeks. The district has been plagued by sectarian violence, with over 200 deaths since July, and tensions have escalated in recent months, making the roadblock particularly harmful to the local population.
Despite reports of over 100 child deaths due to medicine shortages, the provincial government has denied such claims and continues to address the district’s medical and humanitarian needs.
