Islamabad: There is tremendous anger among Shia Muslims after the horrific terrorist attack on Thursday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. 40 Shia Muslims have died in this attack, including women and children. It is one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent years. The attack took place in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where sectarian clashes between majority Sunni Muslims and minority Shias have killed dozens in recent months. So far no one has claimed responsibility for this latest attack.
Anger of Shias descended on army check point
Following the attack, angry Shia Muslims vandalized and set on fire two checkpoints, including Ba-e-Kurram, the city’s gateway, in Kurram district. The army, paramilitary forces and police personnel present at the spot fled away after seeing the angry crowd. The attack on a convoy of Shia Muslims came a week after authorities reopened a major highway in the region that had been closed for weeks following deadly clashes.
There was a terrorist attack on the convoy of passengers
Local police officer Azmat Ali said several vehicles were traveling in a convoy from the city of Parachinar towards Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when the attack began. He said at least 10 passengers were in critical condition in a hospital. Provincial minister Aftab Alam said authorities were investigating to find out who was behind the attack. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the shooting a “terrorist attack”. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and Sharif said that those behind the killing of innocent civilians would not go unpunished.
What did the eyewitnesses say?
Mir Hussain, 35, a resident of Kurram, said he saw four gunmen emerge from a vehicle and start firing at buses and cars. “I think other people were also firing at the convoy of vehicles from the open fields nearby,” he said. “The firing continued for about 40 minutes.” He said they remained in hiding until the attackers fled. “I heard women screaming, and people screaming for help,” he said.
People angry at government and army
Ibne Ali Bangash, a relative of one of the victims, described the attack on the convoy as the saddest day in the history of Kurram. “More than 40 people from our community have been martyred,” he said. ”This is shameful for the government.” Local Shia leader Baqir Haidari condemned the attack and said the death toll was likely to rise. He accused local authorities of not providing adequate security for the convoy of more than 100 vehicles, while fearing possible attacks by militants, who recently threatened to target Shias in Kurram.
People going on strike and protesting
Shopkeepers in Parachinar announced a strike on Friday to protest against the attack. Shia Muslims make up about 15% of Sunni-dominated Pakistan’s population of 240 million, which has a history of sectarian hostility between the communities. Although the two groups generally live together peacefully, tensions have persisted for decades in some areas, particularly parts of Kurram, where Shias are in the majority. Dozens of people from both sides have been killed since the land dispute broke out in Kurram in July, which later escalated into widespread communal violence.
How can the government effectively engage with the Shia community to restore trust after the recent attacks?
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Aftermath of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Attack
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With us is Dr. Amina Jaffri, a leading expert on sectarian violence in South Asia. Dr. Jaffri, can you begin by sharing your thoughts on the recent attack that claimed the lives of 40 Shia Muslims, including women and children?
Dr. Jaffri: Thank you for having me. This attack is indeed heartbreaking and represents a continuation of the lethal sectarian violence that has plagued this region for years. The Kurram district, with its history of conflict, has seen increasing tensions between Shia and Sunni communities. This latest incident highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying grievances of these communities.
Editor: There seems to be a palpable anger within the Shia community following this attack. Reports indicate that angry Shia Muslims vandalized army checkpoints shortly after. Could you provide context to this reaction?
Dr. Jaffri: Absolutely. When communities feel a deep sense of loss and betrayal, particularly in the face of repeated violence, reactions can become extreme. The Shia community in Pakistan has historically felt marginalized and unprotected by the state, often facing violence without adequate response or investigation. The vandalism of army checkpoints is a manifestation of their frustration with perceived inaction from authorities. It’s not only about the loss of life but also about a long-standing struggle for safety and recognition.
Editor: We’ve seen multiple attacks in recent months, creating a pattern of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. What do you think are the contributing factors to this escalation?
Dr. Jaffri: The sectarian strife in this region can be attributed to various factors including historical, political, and socio-economic issues. The long-standing tensions have been exacerbated by the presence of extremist groups who exploit these divides. Additionally, political instability and poor governance contribute to the inability to address the root causes of sectarianism. Furthermore, local dynamics, such as competition for resources, often intensify these conflicts.
Editor: Local officials have stated that investigations are ongoing, yet no group has claimed responsibility for this latest attack. What does this uncertainty indicate about the broader security situation in the region?
Dr. Jaffri: The lack of claim from any group reflects the chaotic nature of armed groups operating in the region. It could indicate opportunistic actions from various factions capitalizing on existing tensions, or it might point to deeper issues, such as the involvement of state or non-state actors with vested interests. This uncertainty can lead to heightened fears among communities, complicating the response and further victimizing those already affected.
Editor: Eyewitnesses have come forward to describe the attack as brutal, yet the response from security forces reportedly included a retreat in the face of the angry crowd. How does this reflect on the security apparatus in place?
Dr. Jaffri: The withdrawal of security forces under such circumstances raises serious questions about their preparedness and commitment. People expect protection during such violent outbreaks, and a lack of response can further alienate communities and foster distrust in state institutions. A more robust and proactive approach is essential to ensure the safety of all citizens and to foster reconciliation between different sects.
Editor: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have condemned the violence, but what steps do you think need to be taken to restore peace and trust in the region?
Dr. Jaffri: Genuine measures are needed beyond mere condemnation. The government must engage in dialogue with community leaders to address grievances and promote tolerance. Additionally, comprehensive security strategies that involve local stakeholders are crucial. Programs aimed at economic development, education, and inter-community interactions can help to mitigate sectarian tensions and build a more cohesive society. Long-term commitment from the state to protect all citizens is critical to achieving lasting peace.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jaffri, for your insightful analysis. As we navigate through these turbulent times, it is essential we continue to engage in these discussions to foster understanding and seek solutions.
Dr. Jaffri: Thank you for shining a light on this crucial issue. It’s only through dialogue and awareness that we can hope to change the narrative of violence and division into one of peace and unity.