What's happened
At least 30 children have died in Kurram district, Pakistan, due to medicine shortages amid escalating sectarian violence. The regional government has closed roads to control the violence, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis as access to food and medical supplies dwindles.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Impact
- Child Mortality: At least 30 children have died due to a lack of medical supplies.
- Food and Medicine Shortages: Locals report severe shortages of food, medicines, and fuel.
Political Ramifications
- Government Response: The provincial government has ordered tribes to surrender weapons, raising concerns among Shia scholars about community safety.
- Sectarian Tensions: The ongoing violence could spill beyond Kurram if not addressed effectively.
Future Outlook
- Ceasefire Negotiations: Elders from both communities are attempting to negotiate a lasting ceasefire, but the effectiveness remains uncertain.
- International Attention: The situation may attract international humanitarian aid if conditions worsen.
What the papers say
According to Shah Meer Baloch in The Guardian, the deaths of children due to medicine shortages have sparked criticism of both provincial and national governments, with locals expressing that 'the provincial and central governments are not paying any heed to the crisis.' AP News highlights the government's order for tribes to surrender weapons, which has been met with skepticism from Shia scholars who fear it could leave them vulnerable. The Independent notes that air ambulances are being utilized to transport critically ill patients, indicating the severity of the healthcare crisis. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex interplay between local governance, sectarian violence, and humanitarian needs in Kurram.
How we got here
Kurram district has a long history of sectarian violence, primarily between Shia and Sunni Muslims. Recent clashes, which began over land disputes, escalated significantly in November, leading to over 130 deaths and a humanitarian crisis due to restricted access to essential supplies.
Go deeper
- What led to the violence in Kurram?
- How is the government responding to the crisis?
- What are the humanitarian needs in the region?
More on these topics
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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
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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.
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The Edhi Foundation is a non-profit social welfare organization based in Pakistan. It was founded by Abdul Sattar Edhi in 1951, who served as the head of the organization until his death on 8 July 2016.