Government officials in northwestern Pakistan met with tribal leaders on Sunday to mediate a ceasefire between rival sectarian groups after clashes that have left at least 68 people dead and many more injured.
The violence began on Thursday when gunmen attacked civilian convoys, killing at least 40, mostly Shi'ite Muslims. This led to retaliatory attacks against Sunni residents, escalating into battles between armed groups from both sides.
The dispute has been ongoing for decades due to a land issue in Kurram district, near the Afghanistan border. A government delegation flew to Parachinar, Kurram's main city, to meet with Shi'ite and Sunni leaders in an effort to broker a ceasefire.
Positive progress was reported in talks, although the death toll has continued to rise, with communication in the area limited.
Several settlements have been attacked, homes evacuated, and businesses closed, while some petrol stations have been set on fire.
Read next
16:25
Pakistan
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
00:30
Pakistan is increasing its defense budget by nearly 20%.
20:30
Pakistan’s 2025-26 federal budget cuts overall spending by 7% but raises defence expenditure by 20% amid recent conflict with India, aiming to balance economic growth with increased military costs.
09:21
Pakistan
Pakistan is set to unveil a trimmed federal budget today, projecting 17.6 trillion rupees ($62.45 billion) in total outlays — a 6.7% decrease from the previous year — while increasing defence spending by about 20%, according to media reports and analysts.
18:45
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar held a phone call to discuss strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment