The death toll from the ongoing sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni communities in Pakistan’s Kurram district has risen to 124, with two more fatalities reported on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Despite a ceasefire agreement, clashes between the groups continue, with the latest gunfire incidents further escalating the toll. Authorities reported that more than 170 individuals have been injured in the violence, which has been raging for the past ten days.

A Long-standing Conflict

The violence in Kurram, a volatile region near the Afghan border, erupted on November 21 after an ambush on a passenger van near Parachinar, which killed 47 people and injured many others. Following the attack, violence between the Ali Zai and Baggan tribal factions quickly spread, claiming at least 37 more lives in clashes between the two communities over the next two days. The conflict expanded rapidly to other areas of the district, including Balishkhel, Khwar, Kali, and Makbal.

Ceasefire Attempts and Continuing Clashes

In an effort to control the violence, the government brokered a seven-day ceasefire between the warring Shia and Sunni groups, which was later extended to ten days. However, despite this temporary halt, sporadic skirmishes have continued between the two sides. On Thursday, gunfire broke out again, resulting in two deaths and six injuries, which led Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to call for an urgent visit to the region by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to assess the situation.

Violence Escalates Despite Efforts

By Friday, the death toll had climbed to 122, with a total of 145 injured, as a result of ongoing skirmishes and gunfights. Sources from local police and hospitals confirmed the tragic developments, which have left the region in a state of high tension.

Impact of the 21 November Attack

The initial flare-up occurred after the deadly ambush on the passenger van near Parachinar, an incident that not only claimed the lives of dozens but also left many severely injured. Some of the injured victims succumbed to their wounds, increasing the death toll from this attack to 57. The violence that followed in the Baggan Bazaar area saw another 37 deaths, and the clashes rapidly spread to other parts of Kurram district.

A Complex and Deep-Rooted Conflict

The violence between Shia and Sunni factions in Kurram has been fueled by longstanding sectarian tensions, and despite the government’s efforts to mediate peace, the community divisions continue to run deep. The latest escalation, even during a ceasefire, highlights the challenges in ending the cycle of violence in the region.

With more clashes anticipated, local authorities are struggling to bring the violence to a halt, and the provincial government’s ability to restore peace remains in question as the death toll continues to rise. The situation remains fluid, with both local and provincial leaders under pressure to take decisive action to curb the violence and ensure the safety of civilians in the conflict zone.