Renewed fighting between Sunni and Shia Muslim groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan has resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people and left dozens wounded. The violence in Kurram district comes just days after a deadly attack on a convoy killed dozens. Armed men torched shops, houses, and government property in the area, leading to intense gunfire between tribes. The situation has prompted the closure of educational institutions and the imposition of a curfew, with mobile services suspended.
The escalating violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the region has claimed about 150 lives in recent months. Gunmen targeted convoys of Shia Muslims, resulting in more than 40 deaths and numerous injuries. In retaliation, a group of Shia Muslims attacked Sunni locations, setting the market ablaze and burning homes. Efforts are being made to restore peace, with the deployment of security forces and involvement of local elders.
Sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shias in Pakistan, where Shias make up about 15 percent of the population, have a history of leading to violence. While the two groups generally live together peacefully, incidents like the recent clashes in Kurram highlight the underlying animosities that persist. Protesters have criticized the government for failing to provide adequate security, as the situation continues to spiral out of control in the region.
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