At least 25 people have been killed in violent clashes between armed Shiite and Sunni Muslims in northwest Pakistan, ignited by a longstanding land dispute. The conflict began over the weekend in Kurram district, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which shares a border with Afghanistan. Officials reported that dozens more have been injured as the violence has persisted into Wednesday.
Kurram has experienced recurring sectarian violence in recent years, and authorities are working to prevent the current land dispute from escalating into broader sectarian conflict. Barrister Saif Ali, a spokesperson for the provincial government, stated that officials, alongside tribal elders, are striving to de-escalate tensions. A cease-fire has been tentatively agreed upon following peace negotiations.
In Pakistan, Shiite Muslims constitute approximately 15 percent of the predominantly Sunni population of 240 million. Despite a generally peaceful coexistence, historical animosity has flared up in certain regions, particularly in Kurram, where Shiites are predominant in some areas. Tensions had previously resulted in fatalities related to the same dispute back in July.