At least 39 people, including women and children, were killed, and 28 others injured when a passenger convoy traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar was ambushed in Lower Kurram. The attack, involving heavy gunfire from both sides of the road, occurred in an area long plagued by sectarian violence and land disputes.
Officials suspect the motive was a land conflict, although speculation surrounds the involvement of militant groups like the TTP. Survivors described moments of terror as gunfire erupted unexpectedly, lasting about five minutes.
Read more: What is actually happening in Parachinar and why?
The incident drew condemnation from political leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen announced nationwide protests, criticizing government and security failures.
Efforts to resolve the land disputes through commissions have yet to yield actionable outcomes, further fueling local tensions.
