Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi*
Nestled in the picturesque, mountainous border area of Pakistan, Parachinar is the capital of Kurram Agency, the only tribal region in Pakistan with a significant Shia population. Known for its natural beauty, Parachinar was once celebrated as “the heaven on earth.”
Strategically located, Kurram serves as the shortest route from Pakistan to Kabul, bordering Afghanistan’s eastern provinces. It is also the nearest Shia-majority town to Khost, Paktia, Nangarhar, and Logar—regions plagued by Tehreek-e-Taliban and other militant groups.
The population of Parachinar primarily consists of the Turi and Shia Bangash tribes. The Turis, a Shia Pashtun tribe of around 500,000, predominantly reside in and around Parachinar and Kurram Agency. The Bangash, who inhabit the Kurram Agency, Kohat, and Hangu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, include both Shia and Sunni members.
Due to their sectarian identity, opposition to the Taliban and other militant groups, and territorial disputes with other Pashtun tribes, the Turis have been targets of violence. The Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan, in particular, has attacked Turis because of their Shia faith.
In August 2008, frustrated with ineffective government forces, local elders formed a tribal militia to combat the Taliban, leading to the fall of Bugzai, a key Taliban stronghold in the region.
Despite a period of relative peace, violence erupted again in July 2023, claiming around 50 lives and injuring over 200. After days of conflict between two tribal groups, a ceasefire was brokered by a jirga to restore peace.
Such outbreaks of violence are not uncommon; similar clashes occurred last year, with at least 30 people killed, and in 2017, a bombing targeting Parachinar’s market resulted in at least 25 deaths and 87 injuries.
While the official stance is that the conflict is related to land disputes rather than sectarian tensions, the government claims to be working on a land commission to address these disputes and achieve lasting peace.
Authorities assert that some miscreants are framing the violence as sectarian and spreading false information on social media, with strict monitoring in place. However, local residents argue that the issue is fundamentally sectarian, and dismissing it as a land dispute will not resolve the underlying problems.
The crisis in Parachinar is influenced by both domestic and international factors. The deep-seated mistrust between Sunnis and Shias, coupled with the influx of weapons during the Afghan Jihad, exacerbates conflicts in the region. Violence often flares up during public events like Muharram, Eid Miladun Nabi, and Nauroz.
Religious fanatics further inflame sectarian tensions, and the voice of tribal elders has been undermined by militant youths, who are easily indoctrinated due to limited access to education.
Additionally, the presence of militants from outside the Agency and even across the border weakens the effectiveness of local jirgas. Civil society groups and NGOs are notably absent from peace efforts due to the threat of militant attacks and complex registration processes.
Way Forward
Ongoing sectarian clashes and blockades hinder essential activities, such as polio campaigns and the delivery of critical goods. Addressing the root causes of sectarian violence in Kurram is increasingly urgent.
Following the recent clashes, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reminded the government of its 2018 pledge to integrate the newly merged districts and ensure citizens’ rights to life, security, healthcare, and education. Despite the allocation of Accelerated Implementation Programme funds, this pledge remains unmet.
While the government has attempted a “deweaponisation” campaign in Kurram, it has largely failed. Tribal elders are concerned about the recent history of violence and the ongoing instability in Afghanistan, which continues to pose a threat.
The Pakistani government must acknowledge the sectarian nature of the conflict and adopt a comprehensive approach to peace.
Addressing issues such as unemployment, illiteracy, and poverty through development projects is crucial for lasting peace.
Additionally, banning provocative slogans or speeches and enforcing these bans strictly is important.
Effective border surveillance in Kurram is necessary to prevent the entry of militants and trace the funding of local sectarian groups.
Collaborative efforts from both regional and national stakeholders are essential to achieving durable peace and honouring ceasefire agreements.
*The author can be reached at: agamuntazir@gmail.com /X (formerly Twitter): @agasyedmuntazir
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