CSW is concerned at escalating sectarian violence in Parachinar in the Kurram District of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province after attacks on convoys of Shia pilgrims on 21 November resulted in the deaths of at least 42 people, according to local authorities.

Gunmen reportedly opened fire on two separate convoys of Shia pilgrims travelling with police escorts in Kurram. According to the police, women and children were among those killed.

Unconfirmed reports from local activists in the area claim that the true death toll exceeds 100 people, and there are also concerning reports that armed factions on both sides are still engaged in ongoing violence.

Sectarian tensions have been escalating in Kurram since July, with land disputes between Shia and Sunni tribes having developed into communal and sectarian violence with insufficient intervention from government and law enforcement agencies.

Parachinar has frequently experienced violence between Sunni and Shia Muslim communities over land and power, and travelers to and from the town ride in convoys escorted by security officials.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘Our hearts go out to all who lost loved ones in these appalling attacks. We assure them of our prayers and solidarity and wish all those who were injured or traumatised a swift and full recovery. CSW is deeply concerned that the state agencies failed to provide necessary security to the convoy which resulted in at least 42 innocent lives being lost. CSW calls on both the provincial and federal governments to intervene with the intention of addressing the root causes of this sectarian strife which have resulted in an increasing cycle of violence threatening human lives, properties and peaceful co-existence in the area. We also call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and take lawful measures to stop the violence, taking all those responsible into custody and holding them accountable with due process.’