Kurram's Crisis and the National Stakes

Peace isn’t achieved by dismantling bunkers alone; it is built by dismantling the ideologies that support violence.

Shabbir Hussain Imam

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unstable where Pakistan's future hangs in the balance. The difficulties extend beyond its boundaries and loom large over the nation's future. A vital meeting of the provincial apex committee took place in Peshawar, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur—a meeting that addressed not only local concerns but also the destiny of a nation confronting a constant danger: terrorism. The seriousness of the situation was evident with the attendance of prominent individuals including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Omar Ahmed Bukhari, and Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur.

The scars of Kurram’s past can heal only when we replace division with unity and fear with trust.

Kurram, a district long ravaged by violence, took center stage in their discussions. The region's brutal history of bloodshed has left scars too deep to ignore. In the wake of this crisis, the committee unveiled a groundbreaking plan—an ambitious, government-led peace initiative that aims to end the cycle of violence. A pact would be forged through negotiation, one that calls on the warring factions of Kurram to surrender their weapons. A deadline was set, a call to action: within 15 days, a voluntary commitment to disarm, with all arms to be deposited by February 1. The dismantling of bunkers would follow—a symbolic, yet potent gesture of peace. But this was not a final victory; it was merely the opening salvo.

And therein lies the question—will these words transform into action? Can the provincial government, in tandem with federal authorities, overcome the inertia that has plagued Pakistan for so long? Terrorism cannot be negotiated with; it must be eradicated. The hidden facilitators—those shadowy figures who sustain the flames of violence—must be exposed and removed. For Kurram, for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the lives lost are a stark reminder of the state’s past failures, where tribal factions exerted control, and law enforcement remained a distant, ineffective force.

The challenge isn't just stopping the violence; it’s understanding and eliminating the forces that fuel it.

This is not merely a local concern; it is an issue of national importance. The government must not waver in its responsibilities. The law should not yield to trivial disagreements. The citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and indeed all of Pakistan, have a right to peace—this is guaranteed in the nation's constitution. If any branch of government—whether provincial or federal—fails to safeguard this right, it is not merely overlooking its duty; it undermines the confidence of those it serves. The people of Pakistan finance the salaries of their leaders through taxes, and in exchange, they deserve not just safety, but a life filled with peace and respect.

Pakistan's struggle against global terrorism is a strong and steadfast commitment. The nation has incurred a significant cost in combating extremism. U.S. Military Advisor John Rosenberg correctly noted that Pakistan's involvement in the global war on terror is indisputable. Billions of dollars have gone into counterterrorism efforts, and numerous lives have been lost in this ongoing fight. However, despite these significant efforts, terrorist organizations continue to find refuge—across borders, in secure locations, particularly in Afghanistan. The inability of the Afghan government to tackle these threats has been a constant irritation for Pakistan, a source of ongoing frustration. Despite the issue being raised repeatedly, real progress continues to feel like a far-off dream

Terrorist activity rises; military actions highlight need for long-term strategy.

The security conditions in areas such as Tirah and JaniKhel remain uncertain, with an increase in terrorist activity. The recent military action in Tank district, which led to the demise of seven terrorists—one being a prominent leader—demonstrates the courage and determination of Pakistan’s security forces. Yet, such victories are temporary unless they align with a larger vision—an all-encompassing strategy that addresses not just the present dangers but also secures enduring peace for future generations.

Meanwhile, in Kurram, another step toward stability was taken: the temporary opening of land routes to address the humanitarian crisis in the area. To safeguard these routes, a joint security operation involving police and the Frontier Corps will be deployed, while an emergency air service will be introduced for transport. Furthermore, the Provincial Apex Committee has vowed to target the malignant force of social media accounts spreading communal hatred—another crucial step in combating the divisive narratives that fuel violence in this already fragile region.

For peace to take root, the people of Kurram and the entire region must understand the delicate balance that exists here. Unity, not division, must be the foundation. The elders and leaders must rise above sectarian interests and external provocations, standing together in the face of terror and disorder. Terrorism is not a local problem—it is a national scourge that requires a united, concerted effort from all parts of Pakistan.

Political unity is essential for combating terrorism and ensuring national welfare and peace.

Political leadership, at both federal and provincial levels, needs to rise above partisan politics. The challenge ahead for the nation’s security, stability, and future lies in unity. A shared goal should be to eradicate terrorism, maintain the rule of law, and guarantee the welfare of citizens. In this shared effort lies hope—the hope that someday peace can reign not only in Kurram but across the entire nation. In the absence of this unity, peace will always be a dream that cannot be achieved.

Ends.