NABEEHA FAJAR JAVED
From ashes to revival, when chaos engulfed Kurram and years of PTI’s failed governance stood exposed, it was the Pakistan Army that turned despair into determination, rebuilding not just a bazaar, but the soul of a wounded region. On November 21, 2024, Kurram district was plunged into chaos when a civilian convoy en route to Parachinar was brutally attacked, causing devastating human and material losses. The tragic event triggered public outrage, culminating in the torching of Bagan Bazaar, once a vital hub of commerce and community life. The destruction went beyond physical infrastructure. It reflected the deeper, long-festering wounds of neglect, insecurity, and administrative failure. For over 13 years, under PTI’s governance, the region suffered from poor service delivery, hollow promises of development, and an alarming lack of crisis management capacity. Therefore, in moments when strong political leadership was most needed, the civilian administration remained absent, fragmented, or ineffective. What happened in Kurram was not an isolated breakdown it was the inevitable result of over a decade of governance decay. But where the civilian leadership faltered, the Pakistan Army stepped in, not just to restore order but to rebuild confidence. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the Army led with swift damage assessments, closely coordinated with local elders and the district administration, and rolled out a comprehensive, multi-phase reconstruction plan. Their response was not reactive; it was strategic, people centered, and executed with military precision. This marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. The Army’s approach went beyond security operations, it focused on winning hearts and minds by delivering real, visible change. On May 16, 2025, the rehabilitation of Bagan Bazaar officially began. In just two months, the progress was nothing short of remarkable. 102 shops were reconstructed. The National Bank, NADRA office, waiting areas, schools, and madrassas were rebuilt, roads were repaired, and street lights were installed. By July 22, 2025, a burned-down bazaar was not just standing again, it was thriving. This reconstruction was more than physical, it was psychological. The presence of the Pakistan Army brought order where there was confusion, and hope where there had been despair. The community felt heard, supported, and safe something it hadn’t experienced in over a decade under civilian governance. As Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” The Army recognized that this moment of crisis was not just a threat, but a chance to rebuild not only infrastructure but win the people’s hearts. And in doing so, they transformed a burned-out bazaar into a symbol of national resilience and restored dignity. Today, the reconstruction of Bagan Bazaar stands as both a success story and a warning. It is a testament to what disciplined, compassionate leadership can achieve and a reminder of what neglect and political complacency can destroy. If the goal is to build a stronger, safer Pakistan, then responsibility must be matched with action, something the Pakistan Army has demonstrated, and the civilian leadership has long neglected.
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