A government-backed council of tribal elders will resume peace talks in Kurram, Pakistan, in two days, aiming to sign a lasting peace agreement. Sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia Muslims has resulted in at least 136 deaths since last month, with the talks aiming to resolve the conflict.
Kurram, home to around 600,000 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has long experienced sectarian violence over land and power. The latest clashes began on November 21 when gunmen ambushed a convoy, killing 52, mostly Shia Muslims, and causing road closures that disrupted essential services.
The provincial government formed a “grand jirga” to mediate between rival tribes. Despite continued violence, including the killing of two Shia men on Sunday, the jirga expects to sign a peace deal, which seeks to end the conflict and bring stability to the region.
Over 136 people have died since the violence began, with the toll possibly reaching 200 due to limited medical access. The KP government has set a deadline of February 1 for tribes to surrender heavy weapons, though some tribes have resisted due to safety concerns.
Tribal elder Muneer Bangash is hopeful that peace will follow the collection of weapons. Meanwhile, the KP government has launched a helicopter service to evacuate people and deliver aid, while also planning to establish a special police force to secure the road and ensure safe passage of goods.
