MNA Hamid Hussain protests as Parliament rejects question on Kurram road closures

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary question seeking answers over the prolonged closure of roads in Kurram district, particularly Parachinar, has triggered a strong protest from MNA and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) parliamentary leader Engineer Hamid Hussain, who says Parliament is failing to provide a voice to citizens facing serious hardships.

Hamid Hussain expressed concern after the National Assembly Secretariat informed him that his Question No. 7, submitted on August 21, 2026, for the 30th session of the National Assembly, had been disallowed by the Speaker under Rule 78(g) of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure.

The question was directed to the Minister for Interior and sought an explanation for the continued closure of roads connecting Kurram district, particularly Parachinar. It also asked the federal government to outline the measures being taken to restore law and order and ensure uninterrupted movement for local residents.

Reacting to the decision, the MNA questioned why an issue affecting the daily lives and fundamental rights of thousands of people could not be discussed in the country’s highest legislative forum.

He highlighted the difficulties faced by patients struggling to reach hospitals, students unable to travel freely, traders suffering financial losses and ordinary families experiencing disruptions to essential services.

According to Hamid Hussain, prolonged road closures have severely affected access to healthcare, education, trade and other basic necessities, leaving residents struggling with challenges that require urgent government attention.

He argued that Parliament should be able to question administrative decisions, particularly when they directly affect citizens’ constitutional rights and freedom of movement.

The MNA also questioned the apparent contradiction between imposing restrictions on movement and preventing elected representatives from seeking explanations about their consequences.

He maintained that procedural rules should not become an obstacle to discussing matters of public importance, especially when thousands of citizens are directly affected.

Hamid Hussain has urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to reconsider the decision and allow his question to be raised in the House. He said the federal government must explain why the roads remain closed, what steps are being taken to address the situation and when residents can expect normal movement to resume.

“Parliament is the foremost forum for representing the voice of the people and safeguarding their constitutional rights,” he said.

Questioning where affected citizens should seek justice if their grievances cannot be raised in Parliament, Hamid Hussain called for greater accountability and meaningful parliamentary oversight.

His protest has once again brought attention to the difficulties confronting Kurram residents and the need for answers about the restoration of safe and uninterrupted road access.