By Khalid Khan
Violence in Kurram has once again surged, spiraling out of control as the region plunges deeper into instability. A failed response to terrorist activities, sheer governmental apathy, and an increasing reliance on security forces have escalated the situation to an alarming degree.
Recent attacks have claimed the lives of several security personnel and civilians, while cases of abductions have also surfaced. The deteriorating security environment has finally prompted authorities to plan a large-scale military operation, with the announcement of bounties on the heads of 14 wanted militants.
“Escalating violence in Kurram has also led to increased security concerns for political leaders and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been issued a high-level security alert”
Sources indicate that a strategic military operation may be an option in insurgent-infested areas such as Bagan, Mandori, Daddkamar, and Ochat. According to available information, local populations have been advised unofficially to relocate to safer zones ahead of the impending offensive. This marks the first instance where local insurgents have been officially declared terrorists, with financial rewards placed on their capture or elimination. The list released by authorities designates a bounty of 30 million rupees for the militant Kazim, while the remaining 13 individuals have rewards ranging from one million to ten million rupees. Officials have assured that the identities of informants will remain confidential.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, senior civil and military officials reviewed the worsening situation. The meeting resulted in the decision to recruit 400 additional security personnel to bolster law enforcement in Kurram. However, similar commitments have been made in the past, with little to no implementation on the ground. The reality remains that the provincial government has utterly failed to assert its authority, leaving security matters entirely in the hands of the military.
Meanwhile, in an intensified crackdown, the army launched a major operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, neutralizing over two dozen militants. Military action continues in several other volatile regions, yet the passive attitude of the provincial administration and its ineffective governance have allowed the situation to spiral further out of control. The unrest is no longer confined to Kurram—most of the tribal districts and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are now witnessing a dangerous rise in terrorist activities.
The escalating violence has also led to increased security concerns for political leaders. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has been issued a high-level security alert, while other politicians are also facing severe movement restrictions.
Security analysts argue that conventional approaches will no longer suffice. The government must adopt decisive and extraordinary measures before the situation slips beyond recovery. The ongoing crisis in Kurram is not just a challenge for the provincial government but poses a serious question mark on the overall stability of the state. If swift and stringent actions are not taken immediately, the battle for law and order could become even more complex and prolonged.
