Peshawar (Web Desk): Deputy Commissioner of Kurram Javedullah Mehsud was injured in firing on a convoy of government vehicles in the Bagan area on Saturday, just days after a historic peace agreement had been signed between rival tribes.
According to the district administration officials, the incident happened when the first convoy left after many days to restore the movement of people between Kurram.
When the convoy left and reached Irfan Kali in Alizai tehsil, the convoy was fired upon, in which DC Kurram Javedullah and fiovie others, including a personnel of the Frontier Constabulary, a police officer, and three bystanders were wounded in the incident.
All the injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical care.
According to Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa (KP), government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the condition of all those injured is now stable and they are no longer in danger.
Mehsud, who had been central to the peace negotiations in the region, was later transferred from Alizai Hospital to CMH Thal where here he remains in stable condition.
Local authorities have confirmed that the DC is in stable condition, and arrangements are underway to transfer him to Peshawar via helicopter for further treatment.
The attack has been described as a deliberate act by unknown assailants, and authorities have urged the local population to stay calm and avoid being manipulated by those seeking to disrupt peace.
Meanwhile, the convoy has been temporarily stopped for safety reasons, with clearance operations currently underway to secure the area.
It is expected that the convoy will continue its journey once the situation is deemed safe.
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday strongly condemned the firing incident at Lower Kurram and emphasized the need to take strict action against those elements trying to disrupt peace efforts in the area.
According to a press release issued by President Secretariat Press Wing, the president prayed for the swift recovery of the Deputy Commissioner and others who were injured in the firing incident.
The president observed that miscreants wanted to stir chaos and stressed upon the people not to let these elements succeed in their malicious objectives.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement said the attempt has been made to sabotage the peace agreement.
“Those trying to disrupt law and order and enemies of humanity will not be allowed to succeed in their designs,” the premier said.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed commitment to eradicate terrorism. He prayed for the recovery of the Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and other individuals injured in the firing.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday condemned attack on convoy of government vehicles in Lower Kurram District and termed it a conspiracy to sabotage peace in the province especially in Kurram.
“This attack on the convoy is highly concerning, especially on the main highway in Lower Kurram. It is a heinous plot to sabotage the efforts of the peace jirga aimed at ensuring permanent peace in the region,” Kundi said.
The KP governor expressed his heartfelt wishes for the quick recovery of Deputy Commissioner Javed Mehsud and the other victims injured in the attack.
“I pray for the swift recovery of Deputy Commissioner Javed Mehsud and all other injured individuals,” he added.
Kundi emphasized that such incidents threaten the hard-earned peace in Kurram and called for the joint efforts of the local population and the government to ensure lasting stability in the area.
“For lasting peace in Kurram, it is crucial that both the government and the local population play a positive and cooperative role,” the KP governor said.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed his government's commitment to restoring peace in Kurram and resolving the problems faced by the people.
Strongly condemning the attack on government relief convoy in Bagan area of Kurram, the KP CM he sought a report on the incident from relevant authorities.
Ali Amin Gandapur said this unfortunate incident will not affect the efforts of the government and local elders to restore peace in Kurram.
