Renewed fighting between Sunni and Shia Muslim groups in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has left at least 32 people dead and dozens wounded. The violence in Kurram district comes just days after a deadly attack on a convoy in the same area that killed over 40 people. The clashes have been ongoing between the Alizai and Bagan tribes, with shops, houses, and government property being torched.
Videos and images posted on social media show a market engulfed in flames as gunfire continues to echo in the background. A curfew has been imposed in the area and mobile services have been suspended. Officials describe the situation as very tense, with citizens expressing frustration over the lack of security provided by authorities.
The escalation of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has resulted in about 150 deaths in recent months. Gunmen targeted Shia Muslim convoys, killing over 40 people, while retaliatory attacks by Shia Muslims on Sunni locations have led to further violence. The Kurram district, known for its history of sectarian violence, continues to be a hotspot for such clashes.
Efforts are being made to restore peace in the region through the deployment of security forces and involvement of local elders. Pakistan, with a history of sectarian animosity between Sunni and Shia communities, is home to about 15 percent Shia Muslims among its predominantly Sunni population. Tensions between the two groups persist, especially in areas like Kurram.
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