KURRAM: The protest sit-in of residents against the prolonged closure of roads in the district headquarters Parachinar entered its third day on Tuesday.
The protesters were demanding the reopening of roads to and from Kurram, which had been closed for the last five months, leaving a population of over 0.5 million without access to essential food items and medical care.
Citizens gathered outside the Parachinar Press Club for the third consecutive day. They protested against road closures and rising inflation.
Protesters said essential goods remain scarce, even during Ramadan. They blamed the government for failing to open roads closed for five months.
Meanwhile, a large convoy from Tall to Parachinar is expected to leave today.
Inflation in Parachinar has worsened. Elders criticized the authorities for keeping the Tall-Parachinar highway shut despite Ramadan.
The business community warned that road closures have caused severe shortages. Citizens struggle to find basic necessities.
Flour, ghee, sugar, and oil remain unavailable. Ladyfingures and peas cost Rs 850 per kg, tomatoes Rs 500, onions Rs 250, garlic Rs 1,600, and potatoes Rs 170.
Quinoa sells for Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per dozen. Guavas cost Rs 600 per kg.
Petrol and diesel are sold in the black market for Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. The poor and middle class cannot afford basic goods.
Also Read: Resource shortage forces School closures in Parachinar
The Tal-Parachinar highway has been shut for over five months. Severe shortages force many citizens to go hungry.
Fuel shortages and power outages have worsened the water crisis. People face extreme hardships.
