The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the evacuation of four villages in Kurram Valley following a surge in sectarian violence. The crisis, which Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur described as having “roots going back 130 years,” has escalated in recent weeks, prompting fears of further bloodshed.
In a high-level meeting, officials decided to evacuate Ucheat, Mandori, Dadkamar, and Bagan to protect civilians from the ongoing clashes. Security forces will conduct search operations in the evacuated areas to dismantle armed groups.
“This is not just an internal issue; external forces are also involved,” Gandapur stated, emphasizing that weapons were being funneled into the valley. “Those responsible for the violence will not be spared.”
The situation worsened after a convoy carrying essential supplies to Parachinar came under attack, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. According to police reports, armed assailants intercepted the convoy, looted the goods, and set dozens of trucks on fire. Gunship helicopters were later deployed to target suspected militant hideouts.
The provincial government has vowed to take strict action against those involved in the unrest, including placing suspects on Schedule IV—a legal provision that allows authorities to closely monitor individuals linked to extremist activities. Bounties will also be placed on the masterminds behind the violence.
The Kurram region, located along the Afghanistan border, has long been a site of sectarian strife between Sunni and Shia Muslim communities. However, analysts warn that external geopolitical factors are exacerbating the situation, with both state and non-state actors reportedly fueling the conflict for their strategic interests.
As tensions remain high, residents fear prolonged displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations have called for urgent relief efforts to assist those affected.
