A ceasefire in a land of conflict

District Kurram has long been embroiled in conflict, driven by tribal land disputes and exacerbated by sectarian tensions. The region is home to both Sunni and Shia populations, with tribes such as the Turi, Bangash, Sayyid, and others. While the Turi Tribe is predominantly Shia, the others are a mix of both sects, creating a complex social dynamic.

Land disputes in Kurram date back to the 1930s, with conflicts over grazing rights and access to water. Land distribution was informal, based on tribal customs. Under British colonial rule, the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) allowed local tribes to govern themselves but lacked formal law enforcement. This lack of governance continued after Pakistan's independence, contributing to escalating conflicts, which later assumed a sectarian dimension.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 brought anti-Soviet mujahideen, funded by the US and Pakistan, to Kurram. These Sunni militants, along with Afghan refugees, introduced a more radical version of Islam. At the same time, Iran's revolution influenced the Shia population, setting the stage for ideological and sectarian rifts that would worsen in the following decades.

The trigger of the sectarian divide could be traced to an incident in 1982 where violence forced over 60 Shia families to flee to Parachinar. A 1990 Jirga decision to return the displaced families was never implemented, leading to deep resentment and laying the groundwork for further conflicts.

In 2007, violence erupted between Sadda and Balash Khel, leaving around 20 dead. A Peace Jirga of Sunni and Shia elders brokered a ceasefire, but it collapsed in August after a suicide bombing killed 10 people. Further attacks in November escalated the violence, and by the end of the year, at least 80 people had died, including 11 soldiers.

The Murree Agreement of 2008 was intended to resolve tensions between the Bangash and Turi tribes. It included a permanent ceasefire, the return of fighters to their homes, and the reopening of the Thall-Parachinar Road. However, the agreement faced significant delays, and the road didn’t open until 2011, prolonging unrest. Additionally, the Haqqani Network’s involvement in the region complicated peace efforts.

The 2011 Peace Agreement aimed to end years of bloodshed and reopen the Thall-Parachinar Road, allowing for the return of displaced Sunni families. Although initially promising, the agreement faltered after attacks on Shia travellers, particularly near Thall and Lower Kurram. The Haqqani Network’s involvement raised doubts about the agreement's sustainability, complicating peace efforts further.

In 2023, a land dispute led to violent clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes, resulting in 13 deaths and 74 injuries. This violence spread to multiple areas, including Boshera village and Parachinar, where missiles were fired. A Grand Jirga mediated the conflict and brokered a ceasefire on July 11, 2023, which included the opening of roads for safe passage and a commitment to a one-year truce.

On July 7, 2024 a violent clash broke out in Boshera village over a land dispute which escalated quickly leaving at least 13 dead and over 70 injured. Later on in October, violence broke out again when a convoy, carrying Sunni mourners, was ambushed and attacked leaving at least 16 dead including women and children. The incident occurred in the Kunj Alizai area near the country’s border with Afghanistan. In retaliation, on November 21, a devastating ambush occurred when gunmen targeted a Shia convoy travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar, leaving over 43 dead and 86 injured. Violence quickly escalated and between November 21-24, over 130 people were killed including casualties from both Sunni and Shia communities.

Responding to the escalating violence, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, revitalised the Grand Jirga, which was successful in establishing a ceasefire. On November 23, I personally led a delegation along with Minister for Law Aftab Alam Afridi, KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudry and IGP Akhtar Hayat securing a ceasefire, the safe return of the deceased, while also securing the release of prisoners held by both sides.

Under the umbrella of the provincial government, the Grand Jirga was successful in bringing about an indefinite ceasefire along with convincing both the communities to vacate and dismantle their entrenched bunkers. However, this time, the government was adamant and called for both sides to surrender their heavy weaponry before the Thall-Parachinar Road could be opened for traffic.

After approximately 50 rounds of discussions by the members of the Grand Jirga, a peace settlement was successfully reached between both communities on January 1, 2025. The peace agreement ensures the continuation of all previous agreements and outlines key measures to maintain peace and stability. Displaced individuals will return to their lands with the help of a subcommittee chaired by the deputy commissioner, including representatives from both Shia and Sunni communities.

Disputes between villages will be mediated by peace committees from neighbouring villages, and if unresolved, the Kurram Peace Committee will intervene with government support. Law enforcement will act swiftly against those disrupting peace, and land disputes will be settled based on local customs and revenue records. A complete ban is placed on the open display of arms, fundraising for weapons, and proscribed sectarian organisations. In the past and recent riots, the indiscriminate use of heavy weapons has led to the loss of valuable lives and livestock. Villages and urban populations have also been targeted, and this weaponry has been used against security forces and government institutions in recent incidents.

After the signing of this agreement, both parties will refrain from using weapons against each other. In case of violation, the government, in cooperation with the peace committee, will take legal action against the respective village/area, and weapons from that village will be confiscated based on the recommendations of the government, security agencies, and the Grand Jirga. The respective village will be liable to pay a fine of one crore rupees, as per the tradition of the Grand Peace Jirga. Similarly, both parties will facilitate government infrastructure, support officials, and address religious hatred on social media. The police will have full authority to arrest violators without interference, and all bunkers will be demolished within a month. Lashkar groups will be treated as acts of terrorism, and affected communities will be protected.

If Aman Committees fail, the Grand Jirga will step in for resolution, and the ceasefire will be permanent. The government has also formed a roadmap which includes the establishment of a 399-personnel special force for the security of Thall-Parachinar Road, the establishment of check posts and a crackdown on social media hate.

For a sustainable solution, efforts must focus on comprehensive land reforms to resolve ownership disputes and promote fairness, dialogue between Sunni and Shia leaders to build mutual understanding and government enforcement of laws and implementation of peace agreements. Commitments such as accelerated development and fair financial shares under the National Finance Commission also need to be addressed. This neglect has fuelled resentment and allowed militant groups to exploit local frustrations. The government must prioritise the settlement of land records using modern technology, such as GIS equipment, and establish a boundary commission to engage tribal elders.

Efforts should also focus on promoting social cohesion by engaging religious scholars from both communities to reduce hatred and promote brotherhood. Similarly, the jirgas should be backed with government support for continuous engagements, even in peace times, focusing on development initiatives, resolution of disputes, economic prosperity, educational development and promotion of tourism in the area.

The writer is the information adviser to the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.