• 14-point agreement calls on both sides to surrender arms, demolish bunkers, ensure security of main road
• Long-standing land disputes to be resolved in line with land records, local traditions
• Barrister Saif says roads to be reopened for convoys from Saturday

PESHAWAR: After protracted negotiations that spanned three weeks, the warring sides in Kurram signed a 14-point peace agreement, providing for a permanent ceasefire, resolution of land disputes and banning of weapons in the restive district, the provincial government announced on Wednesday.

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, announced that in light of the agreement, roads would be re-opened and convoys would leave for Parachinar on Saturday.

The main road connecting Kurram has been closed for the past several weeks following an ambush of a convoy in Lower Kurram that resulted in the killing of over 40 people. Ensuing clashes claimed around 130 lives and left scores more injured.

The prolonged closures also resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with acute shortages of edibles, medicines and other commodities arising in the marooned areas.

In a statement, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also hailed the peace agreement, terming it an important milestone towards a lasting solution of the Kurram issue. He also asked locals to close ranks and reject those spreading hate, adding that the signing of the peace deal would pave the way for the reopening of roads in the area.

The seven-page agreement has 14 points, which were mutually agreed between the warring sides from Upper and Lower Kurram, and endorsed by members of the Grand Jirga, convened in Kohat to settle issues.

According to the agreement, members of the Kurram Peace Committee and both warring sides would be bound to uphold the Murree Agreement of 2008, as well as all other previous accords for the benefit of locals and the establishment of peace in the area.

It urges authorities to take strict action against those trespassing on roads, while village and peace committees have been asked to cooperate with the government and law enforcement agencies.

“In case of any untoward incident on the main road, the area people will be bound to prove their innocence in line with [local] traditions,” it said, adding that those harbouring and facilitiating miscreants would be considered guilty under the law and local traditions. Decisions of the KP Apex Committee would be followed to ensure the security of the road, it said.

Regarding the repatriation of displaced persons under the Murree Agreement, the jirga agreed that they would be allowed to return to their native areas and no hurdles will be created in this process.

To this effect, a sub-committee would be formed under the chairmanship of the Kurram deputy commissioner, assisted by the district police chief and two members each from Upper and Lower Kurram. This committee would be responsible for addressing the hurdles and reservations regarding the repatriation of the displaced persons.

In addition to this, long-standing land disputes in the Gedu, Pewar Alizai, Balishkhel, Dandar, Ghoz Ghari, Nisti Kot, Kunj Alizai, Shorko, Sadda and Bagan Alizai areas would be resolved in the light of revenue records and local traditions, in line with the terms of reference of the land commission.

The aforementioned land commission would immediately start working in the designated areas, supported by the peace committee, district administration and law enforcement agencies.

Similarly, in areas where Section 144 is already imposed, both parties would be made to implement all previous orders, as well as the solutions to all previously resolved disputes.

The jirga also agreed to a ban on the display of weapons and the collection of donations for purchasing arms. “Both parties would provide a comprehensive course of act­ion to authorities within a fortnight regarding bans on arms in line with provincial cabinet’s decision,” the document read.

The agreement states that both sides would not use arms and weapons against each other, and in case of any violation, the government with the assistance of peace committee will take action.

Besides, law enforcement agencies would also be empowered to confiscate arms and a fine of Rs10 million would be imposed on the village and area in question.

To ensure peace in the district, no person or tribe would be allowed to turn their personal disputes into sectarian ones, and there would be a ban on outlawed sectarian outfits opening offices and working in the area.

In addition to this, the agreement states, no hurdles and restrictions would be allowed on roads and both sides have agreed to ensure the protection of those seeking shelter, and committed not to dishonor women or desecrate bodies.

Similarly, all those employed by the state and private entities, including teachers, judicial staff and others, would be allowed to work in any part of the district without fear.

Local elders would be bound to provide security to such employees, in line with the Pashtun tradition of hospitality.

Those fomenting on social media would be dealt strictly and would be regarded as enemies of both sides, the agreement said.

In case of issues between two villages; other villages and sects would not get involved and the peace committee would try to settle the issue. There would also be a complete ban on the construction of bunkers in the area, and existing ones would be destroyed within a month. Whichever side resorts to violence after the dismantling of the bunkers will be considered terrorists by the authorities, the agreement said.

Abdul Sami Paracha in Kohat also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2025