Parachinar Clashes: Police Report Ceasefire as Death Toll Hits 49

PARACHINAR: Police have reported that a ceasefire has been established by jirga leaders in multiple areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, where the death toll has reached 49, with 184 injured due to a prolonged armed conflict between two tribal groups, now in its seventh day.

The parachinar news broke last Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at a council negotiating a decades-long farmland dispute, according to a local police official. Initially, the clashes erupted in Boshera and then spread to Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Killay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, and Para Chamkani.

A day earlier, local authorities claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between the feuding tribes. Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mahsud announced on Sunday that members of the jirga, along with district administration, successfully negotiated with the warring tribes in Kurram, persuading them to vacate their positions.

Regarding the previously failed ceasefire, the Deputy Commissioner explained that a ceasefire had been achieved in the Boshera area and security forces were deployed in Balishkhel and Khar Kallay. However, a night raid from Khar Kallay into Balishkhel reignited the fighting, leading to the current Parachinar attack today.

Reports indicate that heavy weapons have been used by both groups. The jirga members, local administration, police, and security forces are actively working to maintain the ceasefire.

The main parachinar-Peshawar road has been closed to traffic for seven days due to the deadly clashes, resulting in a complete halt of goods transportation and causing a shortage of food and medicines in Kurram. This Parachinar attack today highlights the ongoing tensions and the urgent need for a lasting resolution.

Naqvi Voices Concern Over Parachinar clashes, Calls for Unity

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has voiced profound concern over the recent tragic events in the Kurram area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling on local leaders to actively contribute to finding a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

He emphasized the government's dedication to providing all necessary support to resolve the situation and foster peace in the region.

During a meeting with a delegation from Kurram, led by MNA Hameed Hussain from Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen, Minister Naqvi expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the loss of lives and prayed for the quick recovery of those injured in the clashes.

Naqvi underscored the importance of unity and harmony, pointing out that the conflict had been misrepresented, and stressed the need for collective efforts to build brotherhood in the area.

"The government will offer all possible assistance to resolve the matter," Naqvi assured the delegation, highlighting the crucial role of community leaders in achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Also Read: Guns fall silent in Kurram district’s Parachinar after 49 deaths

The delegation included notable figures from Kurram, such as Munir Hussain, Prof Shabbir Bangash, Bashir Bangash, Rahim Gul, and Haji Noor Rehman. The minister also urged the leading figures of the two warring groups in Kurram to engage constructively and work towards reconciliation and harmony.

Deadly clashes over an alleged land dispute between two tribes in Kurram district ended on Tuesday after six days of intense conflict. The Kurram deputy commissioner reported that security personnel have been deployed to stabilize the area after clearing the fronts from both parties.

According to police, the parachinar incident-Peshawar highway remained closed to all traffic for the seventh consecutive day, causing difficulties for farmers, travelers, and traders. Heavy police and security presence was maintained in the troubled area, bringing normal life to a halt due to the tense situation.

Police officials reported that 49 people were killed and 200 injured during the six days of clashes.

Media reports indicate that 210 people were injured amid the violent clashes. District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Mir Hassan Jan confirmed that the death toll reached 49 after 14 more people were killed on Monday.