PESHAWAR, Pakistan — In the past ten days, sectarian clashes in northwest Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of at least 130 individuals and left around 200 others injured, according to local authorities as of Sunday.
The unrest escalated in Kurram district on November 21, when gunmen carried out an ambush on a convoy, claiming the lives of 52 people, predominantly from the Shiite Muslim community. While no group has taken responsibility for this violent act, it ignited retaliatory violence and arson from opposing factions in various locations.
Just in the past 24 hours, the violent confrontations have led to the deaths of 14 people, with 27 others suffering injuries. A seven-day ceasefire was negotiated by government officials on November 24; however, this agreement fell apart shortly thereafter.
In Kurram, Shiite Muslims form a significant portion of the population, although they are a minority nationwide. Generally, Shiite and Sunni Muslims have coexisted peacefully, but conflict has intensified since July due to a land dispute that spiraled into widespread sectarian violence.
Javed Ullah Mehsud, the deputy commissioner of Kurram, indicated that discussions are currently ongoing with local tribal leaders in hopes of establishing a ceasefire, and security forces are present to maintain order.
Mehsud also noted that the authorities have successfully restored internet and mobile connectivity in the affected regions. However, the primary highway connecting Parachinar city to Peshawar, the capital of the province, remains blocked to all vehicles, resulting in critical shortages of food, gasoline, and medical supplies. Additionally, trade and movement at the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan have been halted.
Elder Mir Afzal Khan expressed the severe impact of the violence on daily life, stating that travel has become nearly impossible and that the lack of basic necessities is leading to significant hardship for residents.
Kurram district, which is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is known for the presence of armed groups like the Pakistani Taliban. On Sunday, the Pakistani army reported the deaths of eight militants in a series of separate operations within the province.
