Tribal Tensions Escalate in Kurram, 30 Dead and Over 100 Injured, Government Helicopter Fired Upon

Kurram: Tensions between rival tribes in Kurram District have intensified, with violent clashes ongoing since yesterday evening. As of now, at least 30 people have been killed, and more than 100 others have been injured.
In a related development, a government delegation from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, headed to Parachinar under the direction of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, came under fire while traveling by helicopter. Authorities confirmed that the helicopter and the delegation remained unharmed in the attack.
However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Law Minister Aftab Alam has dismissed reports of the firing incident as unverified, claiming there was no such attack on the helicopter and that the delegation is completely safe.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also planned a visit to Parachinar to express condolences to the families of those killed in the violence. However, his trip was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
In response to the escalating violence and growing terrorist activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Awami National Party (ANP) has announced a province-wide “Black Day” protest on November 25.
The clashes in Kurram are centered around villages in Lower Kurram, particularly between the Bagan and Ali Zai areas. The fighting began following an attack on a passenger convoy on November 21, which resulted in the deaths of 43 people, including seven women and three children. Since then, tensions have mounted, with armed factions positioning themselves and engaging in heavy gunfire, using automatic weapons and heavy artillery.
Local police report that the clashes continue, with both sides exchanging fire across various regions of Kurram, including Upper Kurram, Bagan, and Lower Ali Zai.
The violence has led to widespread displacement, with many families fleeing their homes. Several families have already arrived in Tull, and there are reports of evacuations from Bagan, Ali Zai, and other areas affected by the conflict.
The local government has deployed personnel to Parachinar, where tribal elders are expected to hold a jirga (tribal council) in an effort to negotiate a ceasefire and restore peace to the region. Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9 Division Kohat, has also arrived in Parachinar to attend the critical discussions.
In Parachinar, the atmosphere is somber, with all businesses closed in mourning and educational institutions across the district completely shut down.
The only road linking Parachinar to other districts has been blocked since October 12, creating severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies for the local population.