Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – After days of intense clashes that claimed at least 75 lives and injured dozens, tribal groups in Kurram district have agreed to a seven-day ceasefire. The agreement was brokered by a government delegation led by Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, who met with tribal leaders in Parachinar on Saturday.
Agreement Details
Barrister Saif confirmed that both parties agreed to return each other’s hostages and the bodies of those killed in the violence. “This is a crucial step toward de-escalating the situation,” he remarked after chairing discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.
Escalation of Violence
The clashes began on Thursday when armed gunmen attacked convoys of civilian vehicles, killing at least 44 people. Retaliatory attacks followed, leading to widespread violence between rival tribes. Over the past three days, pitched battles between armed groups have left entire settlements devastated.
Displacement of Families
The violence has forced approximately 300 families to flee to safer locations in Hangu and Peshawar. Officials reported that many more families are preparing to leave their homes as the region becomes increasingly unsafe.
Historical Context of Clashes
Tribal and family feuds have a long history in the region. Just last month, a clash in Kurram left 16 people dead, including women and children. Earlier incidents in July and September also resulted in significant casualties, with peace temporarily restored through jirgas (tribal councils). According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), 79 people lost their lives in tribal conflicts between July and October.
Protests Against Violence
The latest violence has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and sparked protests in several cities. Thousands of residents in Parachinar staged sit-ins, while protests were also held in Lahore and Karachi. Hundreds attended the funerals of the victims in Kurram.
Call for Action
The HRCP has urged the authorities to address the frequent tribal conflicts, warning that the situation has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. The organization emphasized the need for urgent intervention to ensure peace and safety in the region.
Efforts to establish long-term peace continue as both sides work with authorities to resolve the root causes of the conflict.
