Authorities in northwestern Pakistan announced a peace agreement on Wednesday between rival Sunni and Shia Muslim tribes in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following deadly clashes.
The deal, mediated by a grand assembly of tribal elders, follows years of land disputes that have often led to sectarian violence in the region, which borders Afghanistan.
Under the agreement, both sides have agreed to dismantle their bunkers and surrender heavy weapons to the authorities. Violations of the pact will be met with traditional punishment, according to provincial government spokesperson Muhammad Ali Saif.
The recent violence, which escalated on November 21 with an ambush that killed 52 Shia community members, led to retaliatory attacks and over 130 deaths. A ceasefire and peace talks were initiated by the provincial government, but tensions continued, halting all traffic to and from the district, severely disrupting local access to essential goods.
Saif confirmed that the peace deal would facilitate the reopening of roads to Kurram, allowing the resumption of convoys carrying passengers and supplies. The district, home to a majority Shia population, has also seen disruptions in trade with Afghanistan due to the ongoing sectarian conflict.
