Markets, schools in Parachinar reopen after eight-day sit-in ends

PARACHINAR: Life in the city of Kurram Agency started getting back to normal on Saturday after tribespeople ended their sit-in on Friday against the twin blasts.

The markets were opened after nearly eight days, relieving the shopkeepers of worry for their businesses.

While talking to Geo News, Sher Ali Khursheed, a shopkeeper, said the fruits and vegetables at his store had rotten during the days businesses were closed.

 

Tahir Hussain, a man who runs a general store, said he paid Rs15,000 every month in rent. He added that as it is it had become difficult for him to make ends meet after the area where his shop is situated — on Masjid Road in Parachinar — was turned into a red zone following blast in the city on March 31. This happened as fewer people would enter the red zone. The twin blasts of June 23 added to his misery, Hussain said when the markets were closed. However, he was elated and relieved now that life was getting back to normal. 

Schools also reopened in the city, however, the attendance in classes was thin.

At least 24 killed, 90 injured in Parachinar blast

The car bomb exploded in a busy market area of the city where nearly 15 to 20 shops are situated

The twin blasts rocked Parachinar yet again on the last Friday of Ramazan, killing around 75 people. Subsequently, the tribespeople started protesting against the lack of proper security in their area.

To address their grievances, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Parachinar on June 30, ensuring the tribespeople their city would be made a safer place. 

As the army chief promised of compensating them fairly, the tribal elders ended the sit-in.