In an attempt to restore peace, a delegation from the Pashtun Qaumi Jirga (PQJ) visited Bagan Bazar, a site devastated by recent sectarian riots. The delegation, consisting of esteemed leaders, scholars, and influential figures from the Pashtun community, made it clear that the suffering of Kurram’s people is their own. However, their efforts are thwarted at every turn by the heavy hand of the Punjabi Pak Army, which has consistently hindered their attempts at reconciliation.
The PQJ, which has been making efforts to mediate peace in Kurram, faced repeated obstacles in reaching the region. Despite trying three times to enter Kurram, their efforts were blocked by the Pak forces. For the past three days, over 100 elder leaders of the PQJ have made their way through Kurram, making stops in Sadda and Parachinar, areas most affected by the violence. They have taken time to examine the damage caused by the riots, held discussions with local leaders, and even recited Fatiha for the martyrs of Kurram. Their focus remains on finding a permanent, peaceful solution, and they’ve assured the local population of their unwavering support.
The visit, which also included a meeting with the people and leaders of Parachinar, continued to emphasize messages of peace and brotherhood. Despite these positive overtures, the true nature of the violence in Kurram remains disturbingly clear. The situation in the region, including the November attack where armed Shia groups retaliated by burning a market in Bagan, appears to be a direct consequence of deeper, more sinister motives orchestrated by the Pakistan Army.
While on the surface, the unrest may appear as a Sunni-Shia conflict or as a result of local land disputes, the reality is far more insidious. For centuries, Sunni and Shia Pashtuns in Kurram District coexisted peacefully, relying on their traditional jirga system to resolve disputes. Yet, recent years have seen a disturbing pattern of sectarian violence, orchestrated violence, and instability. This violence is a calculated move by the Pakistan Army, which has long utilized its colonial tactics to destabilize regions of strategic importance.
By fueling sectarian tensions and creating chaos, the Army’s objective is to displace local Pashtuns, ensuring that the region is strategically aligned for Pakistan’s “New Dollar War,” and to increase its control over Kurram.