Gunmen Attack Shia Convoy in Pakistan, Killing 42

IQNA – Gunmen attacked vehicles carrying Shia Muslims in Pakistan's northwest on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 42 people, including six women, and injuring 20 others, according to police.

The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, occurred in Kurram, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack came a week after a key highway in the region was reopened following weeks of closure due to deadly clashes.

Local police official Azmat Ali reported that several vehicles were traveling in a convoy from Parachinar to Peshawar when gunmen opened fire. He noted that at least 10 passengers were critically injured and are receiving treatment at a hospital, according to the Associated Press.

Provincial minister Aftab Alam confirmed the death toll and stated that investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi labeled the incident a “terrorist attack.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the violence, with Sharif vowing that those responsible would be punished.

Eyewitness Mir Hussain, 35, recounted seeing four gunmen emerge from a vehicle and open fire on the convoy. “I think other people were also firing at the convoy of vehicles from nearby open farm field,” he said. “The firing continued for about 40 minutes.” He described hearing cries for help and seeing people in distress.

Ibne Ali Bangash, a relative of one of the victims, called the attack the saddest day in Kurram’s history. “More than 40 people from our community have been martyred,” he said. “It’s a shameful matter for the government.”

Local Shia leader Baqir Haideri condemned the attack and warned that the death toll might rise. He criticized local authorities for not providing adequate security for the convoy, which consisted of over 100 vehicles, despite threats from militants targeting Shias in Kurram.

In response to the attack, shop owners in Parachinar announced a strike on Friday to protest the violence.

Shia Muslims constitute about 15% of Pakistan's 240 million population, with a history of sectarian tensions with the Sunni majority. While the two communities generally coexist peacefully, areas like Kurram have seen persistent violence. Since July, dozens have died in sectarian clashes triggered by a land dispute.

Pakistan continues to grapple with violence in its northwest and southwest regions, where militants and separatists frequently target security forces and civilians. The Pakistani Taliban, distinct but linked to Afghanistan’s Taliban, are often blamed for violence in the northwest, while the Baloch Liberation Army is held responsible for unrest in Balochistan.