Parachinar: A joyous wedding celebration in Parachinar, the main city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, turned into a medical emergency after suspected food poisoning sent at least 210 guests—mostly children—to the hospital, officials confirmed on Friday.
District Health Officer Dr. Qaiser Abbas stated that a gastroenteritis outbreak, likely caused by contaminated food served at the event, was behind the mass illness. The wedding, attended by hundreds, initially saw around 200 people fall ill, with the number later climbing to 310. Most of the affected guests were treated and discharged after receiving medical care.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway, with the assistant commissioner closely monitoring the situation.
Crisis Unfolds Amid Regional Tensions
The incident comes as Parachinar continues to recover from a prolonged period of unrest and humanitarian strain. Armed clashes between rival clans last year had led to severe disruptions, including shortages of food, medicine, and oxygen, particularly after the closure of the critical Thall-Parachinar Road—the main highway connecting the city to Peshawar.
A peace agreement between the warring factions was reached in late March, bringing a temporary calm to the region. However, the blockade of the main road persists following a deadly attack on a convoy in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram that claimed numerous lives.
Since then, essential supplies have been transported into the area via guarded convoys, further underlining the vulnerability of Parachinar’s healthcare and infrastructure.
Local Community Calls for Action
In response to the ongoing hardships, tribal elders have urged the government to immediately reopen the Thall-Parachinar Road and restore free and safe movement. They stressed that continued isolation is exacerbating the suffering of the local population.
Earlier this week, traders in the area observed a shutter-down strike to protest the road’s closure, demanding government intervention to resolve the months-long crisis.
