Over 1400 years ago, Hussain Ibn Ali, the grandson of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), stood against the tyranny of a caliph and sacrificed his life in the plains of Karbala. His unwavering stance for truth and justice resulted in the brutal slaughter of his family and their humiliation by their captors. This act of defiance etched an eternal lesson in history: standing for the truth often demands immense sacrifices. This legacy of persecution has continued, with millions of Hussain’s followers, the Shi’ia Muslims, facing systemic violence and discrimination. Today, the Shi’ia community in Parachinar, Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bears the brunt of sectarian violence, reflecting a tragic continuity of history.
Parachinar, the administrative capital of the Kurram District, is situated in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan. This region, characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location, has been a historical crossroads of cultures and conflicts. Predominantly inhabited by Shi’ia Muslims, Parachinar is a vibrant community that has historically coexisted with its Sunni neighbors. However, this harmony has been repeatedly disrupted by waves of sectarian violence. The recent outbreak of violence in Kurram has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis. Clashes in the Boshera village have left 30 people dead and 145 injured, with sectarian tensions transforming into full-blown conflict. The only road linking Parachinar with the rest of Pakistan has been closed for a week, leading to shortages of essential supplies, including food, medicines, and fuel. The district headquarters hospital is overwhelmed with casualties, struggling with inadequate medical supplies. Efforts by the local administration and peace jirga to broker a peace deal have so far failed, exacerbating the situation and forcing the indefinite closure of schools.
The genesis of sectarian violence in Kurram can be traced back to 1961, with a tragic attack on a Muharram procession in Sadda, resulting in numerous casualties. Subsequent decades witnessed periodic eruptions of violence, fueled by both local and geopolitical factors. The Islamic Revolution in Iran and General Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization policies in Pakistan played pivotal roles in intensifying sectarian identities and conflicts. Zia’s Islamization process, which began in 1978, sought to implement Hanafi jurisprudence across Pakistan, marginalizing the Shi’ia community whose practices follow Jafri fiqh. This imposition ignited Shi’ia resistance, leading to the formation of Tehrik-e-Jafaria Pakistan, a political party advocating for Shi’ia rights. The Islamization policies and the ensuing political dynamics deepened the Sunni-Shia divide, turning Kurram into a flashpoint of sectarian violence.
The Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s further complicated the sectarian landscape in Kurram. The influx of predominantly Sunni Afghan refugees and the proliferation of weapons destabilized the region. These refugees, often aligned with Sunni factions, exacerbated the sectarian strife, disrupting local economies and altering demographic balances. The period from the 1980s to the 1990s saw relentless sectarian clashes, with Afghan refugees often taking sides, benefiting from the ensuing chaos. The sectarian conflict in Kurram is perpetuated by a deep-seated trust deficit between the Sunni and Shi’ia communities. Unidentified assaults on public processions are swiftly followed by retaliatory violence, reflecting a pervasive mistrust. Extremist clergy and fanatic youth, combined with the infiltration of militants from neighboring regions, fuel the cycle of violence. The availability of weapons and the legacy of historical grievances further entrench sectarian animosities.
Even in the 21st Century period saw a series of violent incidents that deepened the sectarian divide and inflicted immense suffering on its residents. In 2007, Parachinar was engulfed in one of its deadliest episodes of sectarian violence. Clashes erupted between Sunni and Shi’ia communities, leading to prolonged conflict. This year marked the beginning of a new wave of violence, with both sides suffering heavy casualties and significant displacement. The state’s inability to mediate effectively between the factions exacerbated the situation, leaving a vacuum often filled by extremist elements. The violence continued unabated into 2010, characterized by multiple bombings and targeted attacks on Shi’ia processions and gatherings. A particularly tragic incident was the bombing of a crowded market in Parachinar, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. This attack not only shattered lives but also intensified the pervasive fear and mistrust between the communities. The lack of a coherent security strategy from the government further entrenched the divisions, highlighting the state’s failure to protect its citizens. In 2011, sectarian tensions flared again, leading to another series of violent clashes. This year was marred by several targeted killings and bomb blasts, including a devastating attack on a bus carrying Shi’ia pilgrims. The persistent violence severely disrupted daily life, with educational institutions and markets frequently shuttered due to security concerns. The state’s response remained reactive rather than proactive, failing to address the underlying causes of the violence.
The year 2014 saw another wave of deadly attacks. A suicide bombing at a mosque during Friday prayers resulted in numerous casualties. This continuous cycle of violence left the community traumatized and struggling to find a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. The political discourse around these incidents often ignored the root causes, focusing instead on short-term security measures that offered little in the way of lasting peace.
Despite hopes for tranquility, 2020 and 2021 brought renewed violence to Parachinar. In 2020, a series of bomb blasts and targeted attacks reignited fears of widespread sectarian conflict. The following year witnessed further attacks on Shi’ia processions and gatherings, exacerbating the already fragile situation. The global pandemic added another layer of difficulty, restricting access to healthcare and essential services and highlighting the state’s inadequacies in managing multiple crises simultaneously. In 2023, violence once again erupted, demonstrating the resilience of sectarian tensions. Another deadly bombing during a religious procession resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, deepening the community’s wounds. The persistent lack of security and ineffective peace initiatives underscored the state’s inability to foster genuine reconciliation and trust between the factions.
Most recently, in 2024, Parachinar became the site of severe clashes that underscored the ongoing sectarian strife. Heavy fighting in the Boshera village of Upper Kurram district left 30 people dead and 145 injured. Unfortunately, it has never stopped.
The struggles of Parachinar from 2007 to 2024 paint a harrowing picture of a community caught in the crossfire of sectarian violence. Each year of conflict has left indelible scars, highlighting not only the resilience of its people but also the systemic political failures that perpetuate the cycle of violence. Addressing the sectarian violence in Kurram requires a multifaceted approach encompassing local, national, and international measures. Promoting religious tolerance and interfaith harmony is crucial. Forming a non-sectarian council of clergy and eliminating unemployment and poverty can mitigate the underlying socio-economic grievances. The media’s role in fostering interfaith understanding cannot be overstated. Short-term measures must include monitoring the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to prevent militant infiltration and ensuring the safe return of Afghan refugees. Banning external patronage and sectarian organizations, alongside curbing the dissemination of sectarian literature, are essential steps. Localized efforts should focus on expelling non-local extremists, forming a local council of elders, and providing education and employment opportunities under a special quota system.
The sectarian strife in Kurram is a complex interplay of historical, political, and socio-economic factors. Resolving this conflict demands concerted efforts at multiple levels, promoting tolerance and understanding while addressing the root causes of violence. The legacy of Hussain Ibn Ali teaches us that standing for truth and justice is fraught with challenges. “The pen is mightier than the sword,” yet, “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” The atrocities in Parachinar must be condemned unequivocally. It is our moral duty to strive for a world where peace and coexistence prevail, transcending the divides that sectarianism imposes. Let us not create yet another Palestine in Pakistan and let Parachinar be a sectarian-free region.
