Three days of violent sectarian gunfights in northwestern Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of at least 82 individuals and injuries to 156 others, a local official said today (Nov. 24).
A local administration source reported that among the deceased, 16 were Sunni Muslims while 66 belonged to the Shia community. Kurram district, located near the Afghan border, has a significant Shia population and has experienced ongoing tensions between the two sects for decades.
The recent violence erupted on Thursday (Nov. 21) when two separate Shia Muslim convoys, traveling under police protection, were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 people and igniting two days of armed conflict between the communities.
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi stated that the priority is to broker a ceasefire between both sides. Once a ceasefire is established, the underlying issues that have led to this violence then can begin to be addressed.
Related News:
ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, sparking significant divisions among Western nations
Watch This | 20 killed, 53 injured in blast in Pakistan's Quetta
Comment