The death toll from ongoing clashes in Kurram has climbed to 88, with 111 injured, as violence persists despite government claims of a ceasefire.
The unrest began on Thursday when a convoy of around 200 vehicles was ambushed in the densely populated Bagan town, resulting in 43 fatalities. Over the weekend, an additional 21 people lost their lives in separate clashes, bringing the total to 64 by Saturday.
In response, government officials, including KP Chief Minister’s Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, traveled to the area and announced a seven-day ceasefire between battling Shia and Sunni tribes. The agreement included returning bodies and prisoners, alongside plans for a high-powered commission to resolve land disputes.
However, the violence has continued. District Health Officer Dr. Qaisar Abbas confirmed today that the death toll has risen further, with many injured in critical condition due to a lack of medical facilities.
Local perspectives highlight ongoing challenges. Village Councillor Moin Hussain reported that the fighting between tribes has worsened, with no signs of the ceasefire being implemented on the ground. Similarly, Education Union President Muhammad Hayat Khan noted the indefinite postponement of exams and the closure of all educational institutions in the region.
A Dawn.com correspondent reported that mobile and internet services have been suspended, and all travel routes remain blocked. Clashes continue between the Alizai and Bagan tribes as well as in other areas like Baleechkhel and Kharkalay in Lower Kurram.
The Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, has a long history of sectarian tensions, often linked to unresolved land disputes. While a government-commissioned land report exists, it remains unpublished due to the area’s delicate sectarian dynamics.
