Relatives transport a dead body of a victim who was killed in sectarian attacks in Kurram district at a Shitte Muslim mosque in Parachinar, the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on November 22, 2024. The death toll from two attacks in northwest Pakistan rose to 43, authorities said on November 22 as they imposed a curfew and suspended mobile service in the remote mountainous district. (Photo by Dilawer KHAN / AFP)
Gunmen on Thursday opened fire on two separate groups of Shia Muslims traveling with a police escort in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghanistan border. For a long time, there has been a clash between the Sunni and Shia Muslim tribes in this region.
Javed Ullah Mehsud, a senior administrative officer, confirmed the attack in Kurram. According to him, seven women and three children were among the victims and 16 people were injured in the attack. A senior administrative officer, on the condition of anonymity, said that the mobile service was stopped throughout the district on Friday and said that the situation was tense when locals staged a sit-in and demonstration in the main city of Parachinar.
Curfew has been imposed on the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram and markets and traffic have been closed, the official said. The violence has been condemned by Pakistani officials and human rights groups. The Independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has confirmed the government’s failure to protect citizens through a statement. In this way, the cycle of violence has been demanded to stop immediately and take decisive action.
Religious unrest in Pakistan stems from a combination of historical, political, social, and ideological factors. Here are some key reasons for the recurring religious tensions:
1. Sectarian Divisions
- Shia-Sunni Conflict: The most prominent sectarian divide in Pakistan is between Sunni and Shia Muslims, exacerbated by regional rivalries (e.g., Saudi Arabia vs. Iran) and decades of politicization.
- Militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi have targeted Shia communities, leading to violence and retaliatory attacks.
2. Rise of Extremism
- Radical ideologies have gained ground due to the influence of extremist groups like the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
- Madrassas promoting narrow interpretations of Islam have contributed to the spread of intolerance.
3. Misuse of Blasphemy Laws
- Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws are often misused for personal vendettas or to target religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis.
- Cases like Asia Bibi’s trial drew international attention to the persecution of minorities under these laws.
4. Marginalization of Religious Minorities
- Non-Muslim communities (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs) face social and institutional discrimination, such as forced conversions, abduction of women, and restricted political representation.
- The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, declared non-Muslim by the constitution in 1974, is a frequent target of violence and discrimination.
5. Political Exploitation of Religion
- Political parties and leaders have historically used religion as a tool to consolidate power, leading to the radicalization of politics.
- Zia-ul-Haq’s regime (1977–1988) introduced Islamization policies, embedding religious orthodoxy in the legal and educational systems.
6. Weak Law Enforcement
- Inadequate protection for religious minorities and delayed justice for victims of religious violence embolden perpetrators.
- Mob violence, often justified under religious pretenses, goes unchecked due to poor governance and fear of backlash.
7. External Influences
- Geopolitical dynamics, such as the influence of Saudi Arabia and Iran, have fueled sectarianism by funding mosques, madrassas, and groups aligned with their interests.
- The spillover effects of the Afghan conflict and the Taliban insurgency have also heightened religious tensions.
8. Social and Economic Inequality
- Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment make individuals susceptible to radicalization.
- Poor communities often turn to madrassas for free education, where extremist ideologies are sometimes propagated.
Possible Solutions
- Legal Reforms: Revising blasphemy laws and ensuring they are not misused.
- Community Engagement: Promoting interfaith dialogue and education to foster tolerance.
- State Neutrality: Reducing the state’s involvement in religious matters.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement: Protecting minority communities and punishing perpetrators of religious violence.
- Educational Reforms: Introducing curricula that promote inclusivity and critical thinking.
In the context of religious unrest in Pakistan, the killing of people often arises from mob violence, sectarian conflicts, extremist attacks, and targeted violence against religious minorities.Â
