Pakistan: 18 killed, 30 injured in tribal clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad: At least 18 people were killed and 30 others injured in a series of sectarian clashes in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police confirmed. The violence erupted in the Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, following an attack on a passenger van convoy on Thursday that killed 47 people.

Clashes between the Alizai and Bagan tribes broke out in response to the attack, with gunfire continuing in areas including Balishkhel, Khar Kali, Kunj Alizai, and Maqbal. The tribes are using heavy and automatic weapons against each other, resulting in significant casualties. Independent sources report over 30 deaths. The fighting has caused extensive damage to homes and shops, and many residents have fled to safer areas. As a result of the deteriorating situation, all educational institutions in the district remain closed, confirmed Muhammad Hayat Hassan, chairman of the Private Education Network.

The violence initially stemmed from an assault on a convoy of passenger vehicles traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. More than 50 vehicles were targeted, with six vehicles directly hit by gunfire, resulting in the deaths of 47 people, mostly from the Shia community, according to police.