Sectarian clashes in Kurram district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have left at least 88 dead and 63 injured, officials confirm. The violence erupted after an attack on Shia Muslim passengers, triggering retaliatory strikes between Sunni and Shia groups.
By PC Bureau
The death toll from sectarian clashes in Kurram district, located in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has climbed to 88, according to hospital administration reports.
The violence began last Thursday when a convoy of passenger coaches carrying Shia Muslims was ambushed in Parachinar, leading to heavy casualties. The assailants fired on vehicles from mountainous positions, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to ambushes. Local authorities attribute the violence to terrorist groups rather than specific tribal factions, though inter-tribal disputes over land have exacerbated tensions
The attack sparked a wave of retaliatory assaults between Shia and Sunni communities, pushing the death toll higher.
Efforts to enforce a week-long ceasefire saw some progress, including the release of five women held hostage by one group and the return of two bodies. However, tensions remain high as gunfire incidents continue in Alizai, Bagan, Khar Kalay, and Baleechkhel areas.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur dispatched an official delegation to negotiate peace, resulting in temporary agreements between the warring groups. Yet, political leadership has been criticized for its absence in driving efforts toward a permanent resolution.
The district, which borders Afghanistan, has a history of sectarian strife, often exacerbated by disputes over land ownership. While a government-appointed land commission has reportedly completed its findings, the report remains unpublished due to sectarian sensitivities.
Meanwhile, the ongoing violence has disrupted daily life. Schools, markets, and other institutions remain closed, while annual FSc exams under the Kohat educational board have been postponed indefinitely.
Recent reports highlight an alarming escalation of sectarian violence in Kurram district, Pakistan, with multiple attacks in recent months contributing to a dire security and humanitarian crisis.
The broader situation in Kurram district is grim. Tribal conflicts, particularly between the Turi and Bangash tribes, have resulted in widespread casualties and displacement. Previous ceasefires have proven fragile, with clashes reigniting and resulting in dozens of fatalities. The region faces frequent road closures, cutting off vital supplies, which raises fears of a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of food, medicine, and fuel.
Additionally, communication networks like 3G and 4G have been suspended, disrupting education and local businesses. Political leaders, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister and President, have strongly condemned these attacks, urging robust measures to improve security and address the underlying causes of unrest.
