Pakistan has witnessed a tragic surge in sectarian violence, resulting in the deaths of over 80 people and injuries to 156 others.
The violence erupted in the Kurram district, near the Afghan border, when gunmen attacked convoys of Shia Muslims traveling under police escort. This initial attack, which claimed the lives of more than 40 people, triggered a series of retaliatory attacks between Shia and Sunni communities.
The clashes have forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge in nearby mountains under harsh conditions. The provincial government has managed to broker a seven-day ceasefire between the rival sectarian groups, but the situation remains tense.
The Kurram district has long been a hotspot for tribal and sectarian conflicts, with periodic violence over land disputes. The recent escalation has highlighted the urgent need for sustained peace-building efforts to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
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