KURRAM: All educational institutions were closed in the restive Kurram district on Friday in protest against the prolonged closure of roads.

Shops, restaurants and tandoors also remain closed in the volatile region, causing shortage of food items and other necessities of life.

The owners of educational institutions decided to close the schools till the roads were reopened to traffic.

On the other hand, religious leaders in Kurram district have condemned the statement by adviser to the chief minister on information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, wherein he had termed the deaths of children as fake news.

Addressing a press conference in Parachinar, Allama Noor Hussain Najafi and Allama Khyal Hussain blasted the adviser on information for his statement, and claimed that 54 patients, including 29 children, had died due to lack of treatment facilities at hospitals.

They added that all shops and markets in the main city had been closed, causing shortage of food items and other necessities of daily use. They said that people were forced to starve.

Meanwhile, MNA from Kurram district Eng Hameed Hussain also criticised the chief minister’s adviser over his remarks, and said that the people were dying due to hunger and lack of facilities at hospitals.

“The statement of the provincial government’s spokesperson is regrettable,” Mr Hussain said.

The clashes in Kurram district have led to the closure of the main highway, which connects the region with rest of the province.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024