An outbreak of sectarian violence in restive Kurram district saw dozens of people killed in the past few months. Residents living through the violence say they've been forgotten – here's why.
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00:00A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Pakistan's Kurram district, caused by an outbreak of
00:24sectarian violence.
00:26These once-busy markets and full shelves are now empty.
00:33There's been long-standing conflicts between the majority Sunni and minority Shiite communities
00:38in the remote region close to Afghanistan.
00:42The most recent outbreak can be traced back to an incident on November 21, 2024.
00:48Gunmen attacked a convoy of Shiite residents travelling from regional capital Parachinar,
00:53killing 38 people.
00:55The attack sparked a series of retaliatory attacks between Shiite and Sunni tribes.
01:01They targeted villages and ignited fires in markets and homes, causing around 130 deaths
01:07and much internal displacement.
01:17Najibullah is one of the internally displaced persons.
01:47A peace agreement was signed in January between the two sides, but the situation remains tense
02:03and a vital road linking Parachinar to the rest of Kurram is still blocked.
02:16This is exacerbating food and medicine shortages for the region's 800,000 residents.
02:23A total of 128 children have reportedly died due to a lack of resources during the three
02:29months of conflict, according to the Kurram District Drug Association.
02:35No group has officially claimed responsibility for the violence, but past attacks in Parachinar
03:05have been linked to extremist organizations including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Jangwi.
03:12Both groups are known for targeting Shiite communities.
03:16Former disputes have historically been over tribal land, but in recent years, sectarian
03:21rifts have been exploited by anti-Shiite Islamic militants established in the region.
03:26There are 40% Shiites living in that region and rest are the 80% are Sunnis.
03:32But you know the presence of the TTP, TTP is mostly a Sunni, so they want to give this
03:39impression that there is some sectarian violence.
03:41And then as I have said that there is a proxy application in Pakistan, today Pakistan is
03:46victim of a proxy war and state-sponsored terrorism, so this conflict is highlighted
03:51more on these sectarian lines which is very dangerous for Pakistan.
03:54Since 2010, authorities have carried out counter-terrorism operations that have had some success, but
04:01there is also some discontent towards the military as many people feel they are not
04:05getting the security they need.
04:08Much anger is focused on the government not keeping its promises towards keeping the vital
04:13road links in the region safe.
04:31Najibullah told DW that he is also frustrated that Pakistan's government has not helped
04:58the IDPs.