Tribal Clashes in Pakistan Leave Dozens Dead and Injured

At least 36 people lost their lives and 162 more were injured in armed confrontations between two tribes in Pakistan’s volatile tribal district in the northwest, officials reported on Sunday.

The clashes began in Boshera village, located in the Upper Kurram district, an area known for its history of deadly conflicts among tribes, religious groups, and sectarian violence, as well as militant attacks.

Javedullah Mehsud, the Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, confirmed the death toll and number of injured individuals resulting from the tribal clashes over the past five days in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shares a border with Afghanistan.

Authorities reported that a truce was successfully negotiated between Shia and Sunni tribes in Boshera, Malikhel, and Dandar areas with the assistance of tribal elders, military leadership, police, and district administration.

However, despite the ceasefire in some areas, firing continued in other parts of the district. Efforts are underway to achieve a ceasefire in the remaining areas as well, according to an official. The tribal fighters have abandoned their trenches, which are now under the control of law enforcement.

The clashes, which stemmed from a land dispute between the two tribes four days ago, quickly spread to other areas including Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Kalay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Para Chamkani, and Karman. Local residents reported that the rival tribes were using heavy and sophisticated weapons such as mortar shells and rocket launchers against each other. Mortar and rocket shells were also fired on Parachinar and Sadda, the main cities in the Kurram tribal district.

“There were at least four waves of attacks in last night’s gunbattle resulting in more casualties,” an official said.

The ongoing violence has disrupted daily life in the affected areas, with all educational institutions and markets closed and traffic on main roads suspended during the day. To maintain order and security, heavy contingents of police and security forces have been deployed in the affected areas, as stated by officials.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/36-people-killed-162-injured-in-deadly-tribal-conflict-in-pakistans-northwest/articleshow/112087799.cms