Parachinar food shortage worsens as roads still blocked

PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakthunkhwa has failed to restore peace in Kurram district and main roads in the area remain closed for iver four months.

Due to the closure of roads in Parachinar for four and a half months, there is severe shortage of basic food items as well as medicines.

Along with the acute shortage of commodities in Parachinar, the prices have also increased manifold. Tomato, which is available at Rs 40 per kg in other parts of the country, is selling at Rs 700 per kg in Parachinar while the prices of other vegetables have crossed Rs 300 per kg.

Meanwhile, in Lower Kurram, there is a sit-in in favour of the demands of the tribals including repair of their damaged houses.

On the other hand, the rival tribes have agreed to open the Tall-Parachinar road, which has been closed for more than three months.

According to sources, the arms and ammunition of all the warring tribes should be kept in one place in the village. One key of the arms warehouse should be with the administration and the other with the village headman. If any party uses forceful weapons, the committee will support the government.

Irshad Bangash, a member of the jirga, said that the parties have surrendered their arms and are implementing the clauses of the peace agreement. Therefore, both sides agree to open the Tal-Parachinar road and the government should establish its writ.