The removal of bunkers in the conflict-hit Kurram district will begin today (Sunday) on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan.

Deputy Commissioner Kurram Ashfaq Khan stated that as per the Kohat Peace Accord, all bunkers in the district will be demolished and weapons will be surrendered by February 1.

He added that in the initial phase, a village from each side will see bunkers demolished. Security personnel will accompany the teams to ensure safety during operations.

Ashfaq Khan mentioned that relief supplies would be dispatched after security clearance. He also noted that Section 144 remains enforced in Kurram, where sit-ins continue at three different locations.

It is worth mentioning that orders for the demolition of bunkers in Kurram were issued yesterday following the decisions taken at the provincial apex committee meeting and agreements reached between the parties involved.

According to media reports, the deputy commissioner issued directives to the concerned departments to remove bunkers in Lower Kurram villages, including Kharkali and Balishkhel, with the work set to begin immediately.

The Deputy Commissioner directed C&W department senior engineers from Upper and Lower Kurram to be present at the site with necessary equipment and workers for the demolition process.

The announcement stated that initially bunkers in one village from each side would be removed. A 14-member government team will monitor the operation in both villages.

The decision to dismantle bunkers in Kurram was taken during a summit meeting and incorporated as a clause in the agreement between the parties involved.

Earlier, roadblocks in Kurram prevented the second convoy of trucks carrying food and other daily items from reaching the besieged district, where a police party came under fire, officials and local sources said on Friday.

According to the district administration, local residents had staged a sit-in in Mandori, Lower Kurram for their demands. Due to the sit-in, the Tal-Parachinar highway had been closed, it said, adding that negotiations were on with the protest leaders in Tal Cantt to reopen the road.

According to the Kurram police, the trucks loaded with goods could not reach Upper Kurram because the permission for the road in Lower Kurram was not issued. They added that the convoy was currently stuck in Tal in Hangu district. The convoy was expected to resume its journey on Saturday.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday slammed the PTI-led provincial government, accusing it of incompetence in managing security and governance.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the KP Governor stated that the province had fallen into the hands of “incompetent individuals”, leading to widespread insecurity.

“KP has fallen into the hands of incompetent and inept leaders. A government has come to power which is leading the province towards unrest,” Kundi said.

He added that when tourists are not allowed to visit the province, it is a clear indication that the situation is worsening.