Parachinar- Heaven on earth or cauldron of sectarian conflicts?

Parachinar, often dubbed "Heaven on Earth" for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has unfortunately become synonymous with sectarian violence. The once-peaceful region in the Kurram district of Pakistan has been plagued by ongoing conflicts, primarily between Shia and Sunni communities, leading to devastating consequences.

Why is Parachinar important?

Parachinar is located in the Kurram District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. It's close to the Afghanistan border and only about 65 miles from Kabul, which gives it significant geopolitical importance. The town is situated in a mountainous area with the Koh e Sufaid range nearby, providing a picturesque yet strategically crucial location.

The population of Parachinar was approximately 7,00,000, of which 42% were Shia Muslims (Al-Jazeera). The region is known for its mixed sectarian composition, predominantly Shia Muslims, which is unique in a region with a significant Sunni influence. This sectarian diversity has historically led to tension and conflict, exacerbated by the geopolitical interests of external powers and the presence of militant groups.

The sectarian division is deeply rooted, with major tribes like the Turi and Bangash Shia tribes facing significant challenges from Sunni militant groups. This has led to recurrent violence, particularly from groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which have targeted Shias. Recent conflicts have often been described as sectarian, although local authorities sometimes attribute them to land disputes.

The Root Causes of Sectarian Conflict

The sectarian violence in Parachinar is deeply rooted in a complex interplay of local, national, and geopolitical factors. Locally, disputes over land ownership and tribal rivalries have frequently sparked clashes. For example, the recent conflict began over a land lease disagreement between the Shia-majority Maleekhel and Sunni-majority Madgi Kalay tribes (Al-Jazeera). This dispute quickly escalated into violent confrontations involving heavy weaponry such as rocket launchers and mortars. Here are the major causes of recurrent conflicts in district Kurram:

• Local Disputes: Many conflicts in Parachinar originate from local land disputes. The recent violence, for instance, started over a land lease disagreement between Shia and Sunni tribes (MM News).
• Geopolitical Tensions: Parachinar's strategic location near the Afghan border makes it a hotspot for proxy wars. The Saudi-Iranian rivalry has fueled sectarian tensions, with both countries allegedly supporting their respective sects in Pakistan (DW).
• Extremist Groups: Groups such as the TTP, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), and others have targeted Shia communities, leading to recurrent violence. These groups have been responsible for many attacks aimed at destabilizing the region (Wikipedia)
• Historical Grievances: Longstanding sectarian grievances and a lack of effective conflict resolution mechanisms contribute to the cyclical nature of violence. Historical injustices and perceived inequalities continue to fuel animosity between the sects (Policy Watcher).
• Poor Governance: The inability of local and national authorities to effectively mediate disputes and provide security exacerbates the conflict. The failure to protect minority communities has led to increased tensions and violence (AIIA).

Statistical Data on Past Conflicts

Parachinar has seen significant bloodshed over the years. In 2007, a major sectarian conflict resulted in more than 3,000 deaths and 5000 injuries. This period marked one of the deadliest phases of violence in the region (Policy Watcher). The violence continued with various incidents in subsequent years. In 2017, a bombing in the Parachinar market killed 25 people and injured 87 (AIIA). The most recent clashes in 2023 and 2024 have resulted in at least 49 deaths and numerous injuries, further highlighting the ongoing instability (Dawn).

Parachinar: A Cauldron of Sectarian Conflicts

Parachinar's sectarian conflict is not just a local issue; it is a menace that undermines the peace and stability of the entire region. The sectarian divide, primarily between Shia and Sunni communities, has fueled numerous violent confrontations, resulting in significant loss of life and disruption of daily life. The latest conflict, which erupted over a land dispute, has once again highlighted the deep-seated animosities that continue to plague Parachinar.

The recent clashes between the Shia-majority Maleekhel and Sunni-majority Madgi Kalay tribes over agricultural land in Boshehra village escalated into a full-blown conflict involving heavy weaponry. It was a piece of agricultural land originally owned by the Shia tribe, which they had leased to the Sunni tribe for farming purposes. The lease was supposed to end this July, but when the time came, they refused to return the land. This dispute, rooted in historical grievances and tribal rivalries, quickly morphed into sectarian violence, drawing in extremist groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and anti-Shia armed groups such as ISIL (ISIS). The violence has resulted in at least 49 deaths and numerous injuries, with heavy fighting spreading to multiple areas, including Khar Kallay, Baleshkhel, Pewar, Gidu, Teri Mengal, Karman Para Chamkani, Maqbal and Kunj Alizai.

Explore: Religious Radicalization in South Asia

The sectarian issue in Parachinar has long been a barrier to peace. The region's strategic location near the Afghan border has made it a focal point for proxy wars, particularly the Saudi-Iranian rivalry. This external influence has exacerbated local tensions, making Parachinar a battleground for broader geopolitical struggles. The involvement of extremist groups has further complicated the situation, with these factions exploiting sectarian divides to advance their agendas (DW).

Government policies, both past and present, have often failed to address the root causes of the conflict. Historically, the government's approach has been reactive rather than proactive, focusing on quelling violence after it erupts rather than preventing it. For instance, in 2007, the government imposed curfews and deployed military forces to restore order after violent clashes, but these measures did little to address the underlying issues (Policy Watcher).

In recent years, efforts have been made to broker peace through local jirgas (tribal councils) and government interventions. However, these efforts have often been undermined by a lack of sustained commitment and the influence of extremist groups. The recent clashes saw attempts to establish ceasefires, but these were frequently broken, highlighting the fragility of such agreements in the face of deep-seated sectarian animosities.

Conflict Resolution in Parachinar

Resolving the sectarian conflict in Parachinar requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, effective governance and the rule of law must be established. This involves not only deploying security forces to maintain peace but also ensuring that these forces act impartially and protect all communities. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to mediate disputes through credible and neutral bodies, focusing on addressing both immediate grievances and historical injustices.

Moreover, the government must tackle extremist groups' influence head-on. This involves not only military action but also countering extremist ideologies through education and community engagement. Providing economic opportunities and development projects can also help reduce militant groups' appeal, giving the youth an alternative to joining these factions.

Finally, international cooperation is crucial. Given the geopolitical dimensions of the conflict, regional powers must engage in dialogue to reduce their proxy involvement in Parachinar. A stable and peaceful Parachinar benefits Pakistan and contributes to broader regional stability.

Final Verdict

While Parachinar's natural beauty and cultural richness are undeniable, the persistent sectarian violence poses a significant threat to its potential as "Heaven on Earth." Addressing the root causes and fostering long-term peace through effective governance, community engagement, and international cooperation are essential steps towards transforming Parachinar into a true haven for its residents.