At least 11 people have been killed and eight others injured in violent clashes between two tribes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on Saturday.
Tensions erupted in the Kurram district following a shooting incident that critically injured two individuals from rival tribes. The exact cause of the clashes remains unclear.
As the violence escalated, vehicles were targeted across various areas of the district, resulting in additional casualties. Senior official Javedullah Khan confirmed that the injured were swiftly taken to a hospital, while efforts were underway to secure travel routes and restore normalcy.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to over 40 million people from diverse tribal backgrounds. In an effort to mediate a peace agreement, tribal elders, including former parliamentarian Pir Haider Ali Shah, have arrived in Kurram.
Shah expressed regret over the recent violence, stating, “The recent firing incidents are regrettable and have hampered efforts for lasting peace.” Routine tribal meetings, known as 'Jirgas,' are typically held to maintain stability in the region.
This outbreak of violence follows another tragic incident last month, during which at least 25 people lost their lives in clashes between armed Shia and Sunni Muslims over a land dispute. Although both communities have largely coexisted peacefully, tensions have persisted for decades, particularly in Kurram, where Shia Muslims constitute a significant portion of the population.
In a separate incident on the same day, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a coal mine in Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of over 20 individuals, including both Pakistani and Afghan nationals.
This attack involved heavy weaponry, rocket launchers, and grenades. Balochistan, rich in natural resources, has been plagued by armed movements, with the BLA being the most prominent group.
The BLA reported higher casualty figures, claiming 30 dead and 18 injured, and accused Pakistani security personnel of disguising themselves as workers, though no evidence was provided. They have threatened further assaults unless the military withdraws from the province.
Balochistan has long been a hotbed of discontent, with local groups accusing the central government of exploiting the province's resources while neglecting the welfare of its citizens. The region has also witnessed increasing attacks on international convoys, reflecting the local population's frustration with foreign involvement in resource extraction.
Last week, the BLA claimed responsibility for an attack targeting Chinese nationals near Pakistan's largest airport, resulting in the deaths of at least two citizens and injuries to a third. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber's improvised explosive device, injured at least 10 others and damaged multiple vehicles.
The ongoing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan highlights the complex interplay of tribal rivalries, resource disputes, and regional tensions, underscoring the challenges facing Pakistan's stability.