Peshawar (Khyber Mail): On April 24, 2025, the Maraka Humanitarian Observatory (MHO) at the Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar, organized a hybrid seminar titled “Understanding the Dilemma of Kurram.” The event brought together academics, youth representatives, and participants to discuss the persistent challenges faced by Kurram.
The seminar commenced with Prof. Dr. Ayub Jan formally welcoming speakers and attendees. Among the key speakers was Dr. Noreen Naseer, Assistant Professor of Political Science, who presented an in-depth analysis of Kurram’s situation, tracing the roots of sectarian tensions back to geopolitical events in 1979. She emphasized unresolved land disputes and highlighted the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women and children, citing challenges such as displacement, disrupted education, and vulnerability to trafficking.
Abdul Rahman, representing Kurram’s youth from Islamia College, shared his perspective on the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He criticized the unmet promises of governance reforms and development initiatives, pointing to the failure in implementing land dispute resolution mechanisms despite existing land records.
The seminar concluded with a call for urgent action to address Kurram’s challenges. Participants agreed on the necessity of resolving land disputes, enhancing governance capabilities, and implementing targeted development programs to break Kurram’s seven-decade cycle of instability.
This academic discourse emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts to bring stability and improve living conditions in Kurram, reflecting a commitment to meaningful change in the region.
For further information, visit:
https://marakahumanitarianobservatory.com