The death toll from sectarian clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has risen to 124, with two additional fatalities reported on Saturday. The ongoing gunbattles between Shia and Sunni factions continue unabated despite a previously negotiated ceasefire, local authorities confirmed.
The violence, which has raged for the past ten days, has also left over 170 people injured. Tensions escalated in the Khurram district following an attack on a convoy of passenger vans near Parachinar on November 22, which resulted in the deaths of 47 individuals. Several of the wounded later succumbed to their injuries, pushing the initial death toll to 57.
The clashes, involving members of the Alizai and Bagan tribes, quickly spread from Bagan Bazaar to other areas, including Balishkhel, Khar, Kali, Junj Alizai, and Maqbal. In just the past two days, at least 37 people have been killed and scores more injured as violence continues to spiral out of control.
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Despite the government’s efforts to mediate peace, the main Peshawar-Parachinar highway remains closed to all traffic, and mobile and internet services in the region have been suspended. Authorities had initially brokered a seven-day truce between the warring factions, later extending it to ten days, but hostilities have persisted regardless.
Faisal Karim Kundi, the province’s governor, has reached out to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, urging him to personally visit the conflict zone. Kundi also announced plans to send a grand peace jirga, comprising tribal leaders from the Kohat division, to Khurram district in an attempt to engage community leaders from both sides and facilitate negotiations for a peaceful resolution.
The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains tense, with continued violence highlighting the region’s deeply rooted sectarian divisions. As efforts to restore peace face significant challenges, the local population continues to endure the devastating impact of this ongoing conflict.
This article is based on available reports and has been independently written for publication.
