7-Day ceasefire reached in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shia-Sunni conflict

A 7-day ceasefire has been agreed upon to end the ongoing conflict in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The agreement followed intense government mediation between the Shia Alizai and Sunni Bagan tribes.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also announced the formation of a high-level commission to resolve the dispute between the two communities.

Muhammad Ali Saif, the spokesperson for the provincial government, confirmed that talks between the leaders of both communities led to the ceasefire. The agreement includes provisions for the return of bodies and captives to each side.

The violence erupted last week when a passenger van convoy, traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, was attacked in the Kurram district. The incident sparked violent clashes between the two tribes.

Reports indicate that over 64 people have died, and hundreds more have been injured in the three-day violence. Some media outlets suggest the death toll may exceed 100.

The ceasefire is a significant step toward de-escalating tensions and restoring peace in the region. Both communities have suffered immense losses, and the hope is that the ceasefire will pave the way for further dialogue and long-term solutions.

The formation of the commission will focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting reconciliation between the two tribes.