Parachinar: Sectarian Clashes, Riots, and State Responsibilities

The tribal region of Parachinar, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has long been in the spotlight due to sectarian tensions and episodes of violence. Unfortunately, recent events have once again brought the area into a state of unrest, highlighting a deeply rooted conflict. While expressions of regret and condemnation are appropriate, it is essential to understand the historical context and underlying issues of this war-torn region before forming any conclusive opinions. Social media and public discourse often amplify one-sided narratives, with each sect blaming the other while absolving their own.

Historical Context of Sectarian Violence

It is imperative to acknowledge that the sectarian conflict in Parachinar is neither a recent phenomenon nor solely a byproduct of the post-Iranian Revolution era or the emergence of resistance movements in Pakistan. This is a harsh reality that these conflicts predate the creation of Pakistan.

The first recorded sectarian clash in Kurram District, the current epicentre of violence, dates back to 1938. This occurred when Shia residents of Parachinar, travelling to Lucknow to support their community during sectarian riots, encountered hostility and engaged in a deadly confrontation with Sunni groups.

Following Pakistan’s independence, the second major conflict erupted in 1966 in Sadda Bazaar when a Shia mourning procession passed through Sunni-majority areas while chanting slogans, leading to violent clashes.

Roughly five years later, in 1971, tensions flared again when opposition to the construction of a minaret at a Sunni central mosque in Parachinar resulted in armed confrontations.

The fourth major incident occurred in 1977 after a five-year lull in violence, sparked by an assassination attempt on Qari Abdul Razzaq, the imam of the Sunni central mosque. This incident reignited hostilities that continued sporadically for over a decade.

In 1987, another violent episode unfolded, further deepening the divide between the two communities. The sixth notable conflict took place in 1996 when sectarian tensions between students at a government high school escalated into a deadly altercation, claiming the lives of the school principal and several students.

The seventh major clash occurred in 2003 when eight Sunni individuals from Turi Mangal village were pulled from vehicles and killed in the Pewa area, leading to a renewed cycle of violence.

The eighth notable conflict arose on April 6, 2006, when stones were reportedly thrown at a Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) procession, triggering widespread violence and leaving countless families devastated.

In 2009, an unrelated incident in Waziristan, where the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed an FC soldier from Parachinar, reignited tensions. The retaliation took the form of an attack on a Sunni central mosque during Friday prayers, killing over 70 worshippers.

Recent Clashes

The latest wave of violence began on October 21, 2024, when a Sunni convoy passing through the village of Konj Ali Zai was ambushed, resulting in the brutal killing of 20 individuals, including women and children. In retaliation, a similar attack targeted the Shia community in the village of Bagan on November 21, exacerbating the cycle of bloodshed.

The State’s Role and Responsibilities

Parachinar has been simmering with sectarian hatred for decades. This deeply rooted animosity requires immediate and decisive intervention from the state.

1. Action Against Armed Groups: The state must launch effective operations against all armed factions fueling the conflict in the region.

2. Eradication of Hate Propaganda: Centers promoting sectarian hatred and their sources of influence must be completely dismantled.

3. Dialogue and Reconciliation: Religious leaders from both sects should be invited to negotiate to facilitate lasting peace.

4. Strengthened Security Measures: The presence of law enforcement agencies in the area must be bolstered, utilizing modern technologies to ensure law and order.

Conclusion

The recurring episodes of violence in Parachinar underscore the urgent need to address this festering issue. If the state fails to act decisively, the flames of sectarian hatred may engulf the entire nation. This critical juncture requires all stakeholders to fulfil their responsibilities with utmost diligence to secure a permanent resolution to this chronic crisis.

This article emphasizes the necessity of immediate state intervention and collective action to restore peace and sectarian harmony across Pakistan.