At least 82 people have been killed and dozens wounded in escalating tribal conflicts in the Parachinar area of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
The violence erupted after an armed attack on a convoy of Shia community members in the Kurram district. The initial assault claimed 45 lives and sparked retaliation, fueling further unrest.
According to reports and videos shared on social media, residents of Parachinar launched a counterattack in the Bagan area. This triggered clashes on Friday night between residents of Bagan and Alizai.
Pakistani media reported that at least 21 more people were killed and 20 others injured in the subsequent violence. Shops, residences, and even police stations were set on fire, forcing approximately 300 families to flee their homes.
Government response
Pakistani authorities said efforts are underway to mediate a ceasefire between the warring factions. Ali Ameen Gandapur, the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urged leaders on both sides to end the violence.
Mohsin Dawar, chairman of the National Democratic Movement, described the situation as a “full-fledged war” in Kurram. “The state has surrendered its writ. Bagan Bazaar was attacked and burned earlier. We will protest today at 3 p.m. in front of the press club in Peshawar against the violence and terrorism engulfing Kurram,” he said.
Calls for peace
Amid the unrest, some residents have pleaded for an end to the bloodshed.
“I call on Shia and Sunni communities to cease violence for the sake of God. Don’t allow yourselves to be used as tools by others,” one resident said.
The tribal clashes come as Pakistan faces heightened political turmoil following protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
On Sunday, the government launched a crackdown in Islamabad to prevent further demonstrations, disrupting internet and telecommunication services nationwide.
“The situation is very serious. Events like these should not happen,” said Mohammad Osama, a Pakistani resident. “These riots and protests are damaging the country’s economic stability.”
However, some political activists have criticized the government’s actions, accusing authorities of using the unrest as an excuse to target citizens.
