The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration said Friday that the rival groups in the Kurram district have reached an agreement on an indefinite agreement after lengthy negotiations.

This development comes after a grand jirga visited the volatile area to mediate between the disputing parties and conducted a number of talks. According to Dawn, the jirga led hours of discussions through both individual and group sessions, eventually securing a ceasefire to restore much-needed quiet to the region. The discussions also resulted in significant decisions that will guarantee a lasting peace in Kurram. The jirga suggested policies that would bring about long-term stability by emphasising communication and de-escalation between the conflicting factions.

The accord is a crucial step in lowering violence in the area, as tensions have been rising since a convoy on its way to Peshawar was ambushed on November 21. According to Dawn, the ambush claimed the lives of at least 40 people, and subsequent violence has increased the death toll to above 100. Saif emphasised that the jirga had also discussed the problem of the nearby trenches and had decided that they would be left empty until a decision was made. This decision is seen as a crucial step towards fostering confidence and further lowering tensions.

Both sides in the conflict agreed that violence won't solve the issue and stressed the importance of patience and trust in the peace process. They acknowledged that a lasting solution would take time but were committed to working with the jirga for the region's future, as reported by Dawn. They agreed to return to their regions only once a durable peace had been firmly established, guaranteeing a better future for future generations, as part of the peace deal.