Roads Blocked for 70 Days in Kurram District: 19 Children Die Due to Lack of Medical Care

For the past 70 days, the main roads, including the Peshawar-Parachinar highway and the Pak-Afghan border, have remained closed in Kurram district due to clashes and attacks on passenger vehicles. This blockade has caused severe disruption in the supply of essential goods, including food, fuel, gas, and medicines, affecting Parachinar city and its surrounding areas. The situation has reached a crisis point, with residents facing extreme hardships.

Humanitarian Crisis
According to the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the District Headquarters Hospital, Parachinar, Dr. Mir Hassan Jan, 19 children have died in the past 15 days due to a lack of medical treatment. The hospital administration warns that if emergency medical supplies and other essential resources are not provided soon, the crisis could escalate further.

Public Outcry
Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Hadi Irfani stated that millions of people in Upper Kurram, including Parachinar, have been trapped in the region for the past 70 days due to the road blockade. The lack of access to food and healthcare has already claimed lives, and he warned that if the government continues to neglect the situation, a major humanitarian catastrophe could unfold.

He urged the government to immediately reopen and secure the main roads and ensure the reopening of the Pak-Afghan border for public movement.

Government Response
Deputy Commissioner of Kurram district, Javedullah Mehsud, revealed that efforts are underway to resolve the issue through negotiations. The Grand Jirga, which had been postponed, has resumed in Kohat, and various measures are being taken to restore peace in the region and reopen the main roads.

Emergency Relief Efforts
In a significant development, Edhi Foundation has launched an air ambulance service for Kurram district. The first Edhi air ambulance has successfully landed at Parachinar Airport, offering a glimmer of hope for residents in need of urgent medical attention.

Impact on Daily Life
The prolonged road closure has severely affected residents, with essential items like food, cooking oil, gas, and medicines running out in Parachinar and its neighboring areas. People are struggling to access basic necessities, and families are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Residents have expressed their frustration, urging the government to act swiftly to end their suffering.

Conclusion
The 70-day road blockade in Kurram district has created a dire humanitarian crisis. With 19 children already losing their lives, local authorities, political representatives, and humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate action. The launch of the Edhi air ambulance provides some relief, but unless the main roads are reopened and essential supplies are restored, the people of Kurram face an escalating disaster.