In Pakistan’s northwest, specifically in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, a fresh wave of sectarian violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and left 12 others injured. The clashes are linked to a long-standing tribal land feud between Sunni and Shi’a Muslim groups in the area.
According to local elders and district officials, the violence began with an incident where unidentified gunmen opened fire on three people traveling to Kunj Alizu mountain, causing injuries. A subsequent attack in the Kurram District saw 14 people killed and nine injured, leading to the closure of public offices, schools, and roads. Authorities also shut down mobile Internet in the district to control the situation.
The clashes are part of a broader pattern of sectarian violence in the region, which has seen 44 people killed and over 130 injured since September 20. Despite a nine-day cease-fire agreed upon by Sunni and Shi’a leaders on September 28, the violence has continued, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and disputes over land, forests, and other properties.
Health officials, police, and local leaders have confirmed the scale of the violence and are working to restore order and apprehend the perpetrators. The area has a history of sectarian clashes, including attacks by the Pakistani Taliban, further complicating the security situation.
