Parachinar crisis deepens as main highway closure enters third week, 14 sick kids dead

Three weeks after the main road closure in Parachinar, severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine have led to a worsening crisis, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

According to the hospital sources, another child has died due to the lack of timely medical treatment, increasing the death toll to 14 in the past three weeks.

Residents remain confined to their areas as the unrest continues. For five consecutive days, educational institutions have also remained closed, and internet shutdowns are causing difficulties for students attempting online classes. 

Social leader Mir Afzal Khan told the media that citizens have started a sit-in, pledging to continue until the main road is reopened, while MNA Hameed Hussain from the area has called for the road to be reopened and made safe for public transport.

Private Education Network Chairman Muhammad Hayat Khan reported that schools have been closed for five days due to fuel shortages. Students expressed frustration to the media, noting that the month-long suspension of 3G and 4G services is disrupting online classes.

Kurram District Deputy Commissioner Javed Ullah explained that the roads were closed due to security concerns following an October 12 attack on passenger vehicles in the convoy. 

The deputy commissioner also mentioned that a peace delegation from Kohat is holding talks with community leaders to restore stability in Parachinar.

Reporter: Mohsin Shirazi