Death toll in sectarian clashes rises to 37 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

AFP, citing local sources, reported that the death toll from clashes between Sunnis and Shias in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has risen to 37. The clashes have continued for six consecutive days, leaving at least 150 people injured.

On Friday, AFP reported from local sources in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, that the conflict began last Saturday between Sunni and Shia residents over land disputes. Despite efforts by local leaders to reach an agreement, the clashes have persisted across ten areas of the district for six days, with both sides resorting to heavy weaponry.

AFP also reported that 153 people have been injured so far, and 28 residential homes have been damaged during the conflict.

Earlier, Saif Ali, a spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated on Thursday that the government, with the help of tribal elders, is working to de-escalate tensions between the two religious sects. He mentioned that both sides had agreed to a ceasefire after peace talks in the Kurram district.

On Thursday, Pakistani officials announced that the land dispute between Shia and Sunni factions in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had resulted in at least 25 deaths and dozens of injuries.

These officials added that they are trying to prevent the land dispute from turning into further sectarian violence in the restive northwest, where extremist groups from both sects have a significant presence.

Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has witnessed a rise in sectarian violence in recent years. According to Pakistani media, in two previous instances, dozens of people were killed due to clashes between these two religious groups.

Shia Muslims make up about 15% of Pakistan’s 240 million population, the majority of whom are Sunni. Sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shias have a long history in the country.

The ongoing violence in Kurram highlights the deep-rooted sectarian tensions between Sunnis and Shias in Pakistan. While local efforts have resulted in a temporary ceasefire, the escalation from a land dispute into sectarian violence underscores the fragile peace in regions where both communities have longstanding grievances.

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