Kurram, 23 November 2024– Gunmen attacked two convoys of Shia pilgrims in northwestern Pakistan's Kurram tribal district on Thursday, killing at least 42 people, including women and children, according to authorities.
According to reports, the pilgrims were traveling with police escorts from Parachinar to Peshawar when the gunmen opened fire.
The attack has yet to be claimed by any group.
Javedullah Mehsud, the deputy commissioner of Kurram, confirmed the attack, which occurred amid a surge in sectarian violence in the region. Tensions have been rising since July, fueled by land disputes between Shia and Sunni tribes.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it "an act of sheer brutality."
He added, "The enemies of peace in the country have attacked a convoy of innocent citizens."
This latest assault follows several violent incidents in the region, including the deaths of at least 20 personnel in separate attacks earlier this week.
Sectarian violence in Kurram has a long history, with more than 2,000 people killed in clashes between Shia and Sunni groups from 2007 to 2011.
The attacks also come on the heels of deadly tribal clashes in October, which left 11 dead in Kurram. Authorities are investigating the latest violence, but no group has yet taken responsibility for the killings.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and called on the Pakistani government to conduct an investigation and ensure accountability.