What's happened
On November 23, 2024, sectarian violence in Kurram, Pakistan, has led to the deaths of 32 individuals and the displacement of around 300 families. The clashes between Sunni and Shia Muslims have escalated following recent attacks, prompting fears of further unrest in the region.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that around 300 families have fled Kurram due to ongoing sectarian violence, with 32 people killed in recent clashes. The South China Morning Post highlights the retaliatory nature of the violence, noting that Shia groups attacked Sunni businesses following the deaths of 43 Shia individuals in an ambush. The New York Times emphasizes the historical context of sectarian tensions in Kurram, where nearly half the population is Shia, contributing to ongoing conflicts. Each source underscores the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further bloodshed and humanitarian crises.
How we got here
Kurram district, home to a significant Shia population, has a history of sectarian violence. Recent months have seen an increase in clashes, with approximately 150 fatalities reported since July 2024. The ongoing tensions are exacerbated by tribal feuds and discrimination against the Shia community.
More on these topics
-
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
-
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the northwestern region of the country along the International border with Afghanistan.
-
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is an independent, democratic non-profit organisation. Founded in 1987, it is one of the oldest human rights organisations in the country.
-
Kurram (Urdu: کُرم) can refer to:
Kurram River, a river on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Kurram Valley, the valley of the Kurram River which runs from Afghanistan to the Indus River
Kurram District, a district in Pakistan