Pakistan: Severe cold in Kurram district worsens humanitarian crisis

Pakistan: The harsh winter has exacerbated an existing humanitarian catastrophe in the Kurram area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. After his family was unable to get necessary treatment from hospitals in Parachinar, seven-month-old Syed Rohan Shah passed away from pneumonia earlier this month, according to a report by Geo TV.

Syed Ajbar Hussain, his grandpa, told The News, “We couldn’t find the medicines or even the injections we needed anywhere.” “Not even Panadol to reduce his fever.”

Road blockades and rising sectarian strife have made Kurram’s healthcare system’s severe shortages worse. Since July, more than 200 people have died in skirmishes in the area, which is home to more than 600,000.

Kurram is now isolated due to a provincial government decision in October to close the major roadway into the town, which has resulted in a serious scarcity of necessities and medical supplies. According to local physicians, the mortality toll has increased dramatically as a result of the lack of essential medications, especially for youngsters.

According to Hameed, a local doctor, pneumonia is the main reason why children die. He said, “We simply don’t have the resources to treat them,” noting that some children had perished as a result of diseases that went untreated. Similar worries were expressed by Shujaat Hussain, who said, “Something as simple as Panadol syrup has not been available for months.” At least 50 children have perished as a result of inadequate medical care, according to rescue organization Edhi, with 31 of these fatalities taking place at the DHQ Hospital in Parachinar.

Recent child fatalities have not been directly linked to the crisis, according to provincial officials. “I can assure you that these deaths were not due to a lack of facilities,” claimed Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, advisor to the KP Chief Minister, during a news conference on December 18. Other maternity-related problems could exist. There are misunderstandings being propagated. According to Geo TV, physicians warn that the true number may be higher since many youngsters may have passed away at home without seeking medical attention.

The provincial administration has sent more than Rs60 million worth of medications by helicopter as part of its crisis response efforts. After acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said, “The provincial government is utilizing all available resources to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Kurram.” Local authorities, meanwhile, have criticized the assistance, saying it fails to meet citizens’ urgent requirements. “They sent doctor’s gloves and malaria medication,” said Haneef Hussain, head of the local drug association. That stuff is pointless. We need medications to cure common ailments like pneumonia and chest infections.

In the meanwhile, residents are still demonstrating against the extended road closures by holding a sit-in outside the Parachinar Press Club. “Shops are empty, and markets are shuttered due to a critical shortage of food, gas, and essential supplies,” social activist Asadullah said, characterizing the issue as catastrophic.

According to Geo TV, he emphasized that many inhabitants are in danger of famine since food supplies have been depleted.

Conditions in Kurram are becoming worse, according to philanthropist Faisal Edhi, who recently traveled there by helicopter. He told The News, “Hospitals are running out of fuel, oxygen tanks, and medications.” “Sending one or two helicopters won’t address the issue for a population of 400,000. Roads must be restored right away so that people may get commodities and medications.

Protesters promise to continue until transportation lines are restored, even as officials continue airlifting trapped people and sending out minimal supplies. A protest leader said, “The sit-in will not end until transport routes are restored,” highlighting the pressing need for a long-term solution to Kurram’s predicament.