In the last 24 hours, 37 individuals have lost their lives, and 30 are injured due to tribal communal violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Government officials have indicated that dialogues with local and tribal elders are making headway in restoring peace. Clashes erupted between the Alizai and Bagan tribes in northwest Pakistan's Kurram district, near the Afghan border, following an attack on a passenger van convoy on Thursday.
A government spokesperson mentioned that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued clear directives to resolve all matters through dialogue to ensure stability. Police reported tribes targeting each other with heavy and automatic weapons. Homes and shops have suffered damage in the skirmishes, leading residents to seek refuge elsewhere.
Mohammad Hayat Hasan, President of the Private Education Network, confirmed the closure of all educational institutions in the district on Saturday. Disturbing videos have emerged, depicting casualties. The police acknowledged reports of 6 women being held captive, but limited connectivity is hampering the flow of detailed information.
Gunfire persists in Balishkhel, Khar Kali, Kunj Alizai, and Maqbal. Shooting continues sporadically in at least three district areas, while traffic towards Kohat on the Thal-Sadda-Parachinar highway remains halted. Authorities are striving to restore tranquility, as tribal leaders suggest impending attacks.
The provincial government dismissed reports of gunfire targeting a helicopter bound for the Kurram tribal district with a high-level governmental delegation, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's law minister, chief secretary, and police chief. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesman Barrister Dr. Saif labeled the reports of helicopter fire in the Parachinar area as "baseless" and confirmed the delegation's safety.
Notably, Thursday witnessed a terrorist attack in Lower Kurram claiming 50 lives as terrorists ambushed a passenger van convoy, raining indiscriminate gunfire the moment vehicles appeared. The attack took a toll on women and children, spreading chaos in Lower Kurram post the incident.
