Thirty people have been killed and more than 70 injured over the past four days in violent tribal clashes in Parachinar, Kurram District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mainstream media has largely overlooked the tense situation in the area, while social media has been abuzz with reports about the clashes. Parachinar, the district headquarters of Kurram, is located in the Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The district borders Afghanistan and is notorious for sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes.
According to information on Facebook and other social media platforms, the current clashes began around four days ago and have now spread to six different areas within the district. The primary cause of the clashes is a land dispute between two tribes—one Sunni and one Shia. The dispute also has sectarian aspects, with other tribes supporting their respective sects.
Reports indicate that the land in question is a common property shared among various tribes, but some claim ownership over it. Historically, the dispute has been addressed through local jirgas (tribal councils) or at the government level, but it continues to resurface, leading to loss of life.
Social media posts suggest that heavy weapons, including missiles and rockets, are being used in the clashes. On the night between Friday and Saturday, missiles were reportedly fired at Parachinar city and Sada. Some posts have also claimed the involvement of Taliban fighters in the clashes. Internet and mobile phone services have been suspended in the area, and the main highway is closed to traffic.
Two days ago, ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain criticized the government for its lack of response to the escalating situation in Parachinar and called for immediate measures to resolve the conflict between the rival groups
