Aid convoy awaits road clearance to reach violence-hit Kurram

A convoy of 80 trucks carrying relief supplies for Kurram is set to depart shortly. Due to the convoy's movement, a curfew has been imposed on the main highway and surrounding areas, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Monday.

According to the channel report, the trucks, loaded with medicines, vegetables, flour, and other essentials, have been stationed in Thall for three days.

The aid convoy was initially scheduled to leave for Kurram on January 4 but was delayed due to firing on the Deputy Commissioner's vehicle in Bagan.

The TV channel reported that the Parachinar-Thall main highway remains closed for all traffic today. The prolonged road closure has led to a humanitarian crisis as essential supplies are unavailable, causing immense hardship for residents.

Social leader Haji Ali Jawad stated that over 400,000 people in Upper Kurram are trapped, and the supply of food and other necessities has been completely suspended.

The social worker also added that the extended road closure has worsened the crisis, resulting in a severe shortage of essentials in Kurram.

The district administration of Kurram has assured citizens that as soon as the road is cleared, the convoy of 80 vehicles will be dispatched. The trucks are expected to leave today, while drivers and conductors await the reopening of the road in freezing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, in Kurram district, a curfew will remain in effect on the main highway from 6 am to 6 pm today.

Police vehicles equipped with loudspeakers are making announcements, urging people to avoid entering the main road during the curfew hours.

Following Saturday's firing incident, which led to road closures and unrest, a protest sit-in that began in front of the Kurram Press Club has now moved to Manduri and continues to date.

Reporter: Muhammad Awais