Sectarian violence in Pakistan's Kurram district has escalated, with the death toll rising to 88, according to hospital authorities.
The clashes in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province began last Thursday after a convoy of passenger coaches carrying Shia Muslims was ambushed in the Parachinar area, sparking widespread violence.
The attack led to retaliatory assaults between Shia and Sunni communities over the subsequent days, causing heavy casualties. The unrest has prompted provincial authorities to step in, seeking to quell the violence and restore peace in the region.
A delegation from the provincial government visited the district and successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between the warring sects.
Muhammad Ali Saif, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister and government spokesperson, confirmed the agreement, stating that the truce would last for seven days. Efforts are ongoing to address underlying tensions and ensure a lasting resolution.
Saif highlighted positive developments in the dialogue facilitated by local leaders, with both parties agreeing to release captives as part of the peace efforts. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering harmony and reducing the potential for further violence.
Kurram district has a long history of sectarian strife, with violence frequently erupting between its Shia and Sunni populations. In September this year, at least 60 individuals were killed in separate sectarian incidents in the region, underscoring the volatile nature of these disputes.
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