The death toll in the ongoing violence in Kurram tribal district has risen to 73, with sporadic clashes continuing despite a fragile ceasefire, officials reported on Monday.
Overnight gunfire between sectarian tribes in Lower Kurram resulted in one fatality and left four others injured. There were also reports of arson and exchanges of fire from other parts of the region.
Authorities confirmed that both sides had taken steps to honor the terms of a week-long ceasefire, including the release of five female hostages and the return of two bodies. However, tensions remain high as clashes continue in areas like Alizai, Bagan, Khar Kalay, and Baleechkhel.
The violence erupted on Thursday when a convoy of passenger vehicles was attacked in Lower Kurram, killing 39 people. The attack, allegedly a reprisal for a previous assault in October, triggered widespread violence in the district. Since then, the death toll has continued to rise as critically wounded individuals have passed away. The number of people injured in the clashes now stands at 63.
Despite behind-the-scenes efforts to control the situation, local political leadership has been largely absent in the peace process. On Sunday, a provincial government delegation negotiated a ceasefire and hostages exchange between the warring groups. However, one group refused to release hostages.
The Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, has long been affected by sectarian tensions, often exacerbated by land disputes. Educational institutions and markets remained closed for the fifth consecutive day, and annual FSc exams conducted by the Kohat educational board were postponed indefinitely.
Muhammad Hayat Khan, head of the private school teachers’ association, confirmed that all educational institutions in the area were closed due to the ongoing conflict.
