Families Flee as Sectarian Violence Escalates in Northwest Pakistan
In northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, fresh sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shiite Muslims have left 32 people dead and 47 wounded, prompting around 300 families to flee the violence-stricken Kurram district.
The region has been plagued by months of escalating sectarian violence, with over 150 fatalities reported in sporadic clashes. The latest bloodshed follows attacks on Thursday targeting Shiite passenger convoys, which resulted in 43 deaths, including seven women and three children.
Fresh Clashes and Retaliatory Attacks
Tensions flared on Friday evening when Shiite groups retaliated by attacking Sunni-dominated areas in Kurram, including the Bagan Bazaar. Witnesses reported gunfire, arson, and destruction.
“Around 7 p.m., enraged Shiite individuals attacked the market, setting it ablaze along with nearby homes,” a senior police officer in Kurram stated. Over 300 shops and more than 100 houses were destroyed in the violence. Local Sunni residents responded with gunfire, adding to the casualties.
Efforts are underway to restore peace through the deployment of security forces and interventions by local elders, according to senior official Javedullah Mehsud.
Mass Displacement and Protests
The ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of families, with many relocating to Hangu and Peshawar for safety. In Kurram’s Parachinar, thousands of Shiite Muslims staged protests and participated in funerals for victims of the attacks. Demonstrations also took place in Lahore and Karachi, where protesters called for an end to the violence.
A Pattern of Violence
Sectarian tensions in Pakistan, a Sunni-majority country, have historically targeted the Shiite minority, often resulting in discrimination and violence. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the rising violence, describing it as a humanitarian crisis.
“The alarming frequency of clashes and the heavy weaponry used indicate the state’s failure to control the flow of arms into the region,” HRCP stated.
The latest clashes follow deadly incidents in July and September, where dozens were killed, and ceasefires were brokered by tribal councils. Between July and October alone, 79 lives were lost in sectarian violence.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Adding to the instability, at least 20 soldiers were killed in separate incidents in the province just days before the latest attacks. The HRCP has called on authorities to address the root causes of sectarian violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
The escalating situation underscores the urgent need for effective intervention to prevent further loss of life and displacement.
