By dubailife 
Tragic Attack in Pakistan’s Northwest Claims 42 Lives
In a devastating incident, gunmen ambushed vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims in Pakistan’s volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least 42 individuals, including six women, and injuring 20 others. This attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, took place on Thursday in the Kurram district, an area plagued by recurring sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite communities.
The Attack: A Heinous Act of Violence
The ambush occurred as a convoy of vehicles was traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. According to local police official Azmat Ali, gunmen opened fire, targeting multiple vehicles. Tragically, 10 of the injured remain in critical condition. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror, with gunfire lasting for nearly 40 minutes.
Resident Mir Hussain recounted the harrowing ordeal:
“I saw four attackers emerge from a vehicle and start shooting. People were crying for help, and the sound of gunfire filled the air for what seemed like an eternity.”
Condemnation and Calls for Justice
The attack has been labeled a “terrorist act” by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the assault, vowing that the perpetrators would face justice.
Aftab Alam, a provincial minister, confirmed the death toll and assured the public that authorities are investigating the incident to identify the attackers.
Sectarian Tensions in Kurram
Kurram, a district with a Shiite majority, has seen a resurgence of sectarian violence in recent months. Tensions between Sunni and Shiite groups have led to clashes that have claimed dozens of lives.
Local Shiite leader Baqir Haideri criticized the authorities for failing to provide adequate security, despite prior warnings about potential threats. He described the day as one of the darkest in the community’s history, adding that the death toll could rise further.
A Nation Mourns
The tragic event has sparked outrage and sorrow across Pakistan. Parachinar residents have announced a protest strike, calling for justice and demanding stronger measures to prevent future attacks.
The attack also highlights the broader security challenges Pakistan faces, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant groups and separatists continue to pose significant threats.
A History of Sectarian Strife
Shiite Muslims make up about 15% of Pakistan’s predominantly Sunni population of 240 million. While both communities largely coexist peacefully, certain areas, such as Kurram, have been hotbeds of sectarian unrest for decades.
Recent months have seen an escalation in violence, particularly since a land dispute in July spiraled into broader clashes.
As Pakistan reels from this tragedy, the call for unity and decisive action against sectarian violence has never been more urgent. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the nation must come together to ensure such attacks are not repeated.
Source : CNN