A seven-day ceasefire was reached, ending days of attacks between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the Kurram District of Pakistan. On 21 November 2024, two separate convoys of Shiite Muslims traveling with police escorts in Kurram were ambushed by gunmen, killing more than 40 people. And in retaliation, Shiite Muslims launched an attack against Sunni Muslim residents. These clashes are not new to the district and are rooted in tribal rivalry over land disputes. This ceasefire must continue, and all parties commit to dialogue, as the people of Kurram endure displacement, fear, and loss. 

To reach a cease-fire agreement, the government had the people’s best interest, and steps previously not taken were administered. Ali Amin Gandapu, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K.P.), the province that oversees the Kurram District, said that “negotiation is the best way to resolve all issues.” Mr. Gandapu’s statement emphasizes the responsible and appropriate measures in resolving conflict that do not aggravate but have the ability to address key issues and increase the probability of positive change. Mr. Aftab Alam Afridi, a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa law minister, stated that the provincial government of K.P. created a new high-level commission that was “formed according to the wishes of the parties”, which ultimately led to discussion and a necessary pause in violence. 

Tensions among the Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the Kurram District stem from a multitude of reasons. According to Indian Express, Shiites make up around 45% of the district’s population, which is three times their 10-15% share in Pakistan’s population as a whole. The majority of Shiites live in Upper Kurram, whereas Sunnis live in Lower and Central Kurram. Per Indian Express, among them are the constant rivalries and competition for territory, the favoritism of certain tribes during British rule, the increase in Sunni refugees, and the district becoming a proxy battleground for the interests of certain groups. The history of conflict goes back decades. According to Pakistan government data, more than 2,000 people were killed, more than 5,000 were injured, and tens of thousands were displaced due to territory disputes between 2007 and 2011. More recently, on 12 October 2024, at least 15 people were killed in a convoy attack, with Sunni Muslims being targeted and Shiite Muslims retaliating. On 20 October 2024, a temporary ceasefire was eventually reached, which was broken these past days. Reuters reports that armed groups entered rival settlements, communications went down, schools closed, and buildings were torched. Fortunately, a new ceasefire was agreed upon. In order to prevent another broken ceasefire, the government should be present on the ground to protect their citizens, while leading efforts to ensure a dialogue that can help resolve this cycle of continuous violence. Demands have already been announced by Shiite leaders, which include the arrest of those involved in the attack, compensation for victims, and assurances for future travelers. These demands are reasonable and must be taken into account for deals among the actors to settle conflict once and for all. 

An environment in which all stakeholders in the conflict are willing to participate is essential to the process of reaching an agreement. Government officials must be patient and understand the needs of conflicting parties. Kurram is on the right track, as the steps needed for an end to conflict are being shown. The people of Kurram are fearful and desire peace. This process must not be rushed in order to meet demands correctly, but security for citizens should be a priority so that the district can reopen safely and people can live without fear and with respect for one another.