07 Jan 2025 | 10:19 AM UTC
Pakistan: Increased security to continue in Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, until Jan. 10 to ensure safety of aid convoy /update 2
Tight security likely along Thall-Parachinar highway, Kurram District, Pakistan, until Jan. 10 to ensure safety of aid convoy.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain an enhanced security posture along the Thall-Parachinar highway in Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, until Jan. 10 following a gun attack on an aid convoy near Bagan on Jan. 4. To ensure the safety of the convoy, officials have implemented Section 144 across the District, which prohibits unauthorized public gatherings of more than four people and the carriage of arms in public. Authorities have declared a curfew between Chapri Check Post to Tari Mangal, with residents instructed not to leave their homes 06:00-18:00. The aid convoy is expected to begin its departure by Jan. 9 following security clearance of the Thall-Parachinar highway and surrounding areas.
Localized transport and business disruptions are likely to continue until Jan. 10. Demonstrators denouncing the delay of the aid convoy and the increased security cannot be ruled out. Authorities will possibly prompt further enhanced security measures such as localized and temporary curfews, entry restrictions, telecommunication and mobile internet curbs, and local business and school closures.
Kurram District is approximately 120 km (75 miles) west of Peshawar.
Avoid the area to the extent possible. Exercise extreme caution if operating in or near the affected region. Avoid all demonstrations and navigating roadblocks due to the threat of violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan for ground travel and delivery delays. Heed security and traffic advisories, including movement restrictions.
Heightened tensions have existed in Kurram District due to sectarian violence after gun attacks that occurred between Nov. 21-23. Related violence has killed at least 130 people and injured over 200 others; most deaths occurred Nov. 21-23 due to armed attacks on Shi'a Muslim passenger convoys in the district. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Authorities mediated a peace agreement between elder tibal members on Jan. 1. However tensions still remain.
