Understanding Attacks on the Shias in Parachinar

The town of Parachinar, located in the Kurram Valley of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, is one of the most wretched locations continually affected by sectarian violence in the country especially during the last two decades. Historically, it has been a region marked by religious and ethnic diversity, but in recent years, Parachinar has witnessed repeated waves of violence against its Shia Muslim population, with 2024 being a particularly harrowing year. The term Shia genocide^[1] has been used by human rights organizations and local activists to describe the systematic and targeted killings of Shia Muslims, who form the majority in the Kurram Valley. This commentary seeks to explore the history and present reality of the Shia genocide in Parachinar, with an emphasis on the latest developments as of 2024. It will provide an overview of the factors contributing to the violence, examine the role of various actors, and present data that sheds light on the scale of the tragedy.

On November 21, 2024, gunmen opened fire on vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims, at Mandori Charkhel, located in the Ochut area the Kurram district, killing at least 42 people, including six women, and wounding 20 others. This attack is one of the deadliest in the region in recent years and highlights the ongoing sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite communities. The violence in Parachinar is part of a broader pattern of sectarian conflict in the Kurram district, which has a significant Shiite population and has experienced frequent attacks by armed groups such as the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and ISIL (ISIS). The area has a history of land disputes and sectarian clashes, further exacerbating the situation.

Historical Background of Sectarian Violence in Parachinar

The history of sectarian violence in Parachinar is deeply intertwined with the larger political and sectarian tensions in Pakistan. The Kurram district is divided administratively into three Tehsils, i.e., Upper, Central and Lower Kurram. Upper Kurram, where the district headquarter Parachinar is located, has been home to a significant Shia population (83% by some estimates) for centuries. The region is strategically situated on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, making it a key area for political maneuvering and military control. The Shia population of Parachinar has been historically subjected to sporadic attacks from Sunni extremist groups, particularly those with ties to militant organizations like the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ)^[2]. However, these attacks escalated significantly in the 2000s, especially with the rise of sectarian militancy in Pakistan. Parachinar became a focal point of violence after the sectarian divide was deepened by the US-led War on Terror, which brought about a new political dynamic with the entry of external forces into the region. The influx of militants and extremist ideologies from Afghanistan exacerbated existing tensions.^[3]

Over the years, the Kurram Valley has experienced multiple waves of sectarian violence, with bombings, targeted killings, and attacks on Shia worshippers becoming routine. The Pakistan Army has attempted to stabilize the region at various points, but its efforts have been undermined by the complex interplay of local tribal dynamics, militant groups, and lack of effective governance.

The Rise of Sectarian Militancy and the Shia Genocide

The years following 2007-2008, when Pakistan was transiting from dictatorship to democracy, marked a sharp escalation in sectarian violence in Parachinar. The rise of Sunni extremist groups, particularly those aligned with the Pakistani Taliban or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), led to the intensification of attacks on Shia communities. These groups, many of which had their roots in the Kurram Valley, operated with impunity, targeting Shia civilians, mosques, and religious gatherings. The violence reached its peak between 2012 and 2017, during which a series of deadly bombings and shootings left hundreds of Shia Muslims dead. One of the most infamous attacks occurred in 2012, when a suicide bombing in Parachinar killed more than 50 people. This attack was followed by several others, and despite calls for justice from the local population and civil society groups, the authorities struggled to prevent the escalation.^[4]

In 2024, the Shia genocide in Parachinar has not abated. Sectarian violence continues to plague the region, with new incidents of bombing and targeted killings being reported regularly. The situation has worsened due to several factors, including the resurgence of militancy in the region, the growing influence of extremist groups like the Islamic State (ISIS), and the failure of the state to protect its Shia citizens. One of the most telling indicators of the ongoing genocide is the frequency and scale of attacks on the Shia population in Parachinar. According to data collected from local sources, NGOs, and news outlets, the year 2024 has seen a sharp rise in both the number of attacks and the death toll^[5].

       The following table summarizes the major sectarian incidents in Parachinar during the first half of 2024:

Source: Human Rights Watch. Sectarian Violence in Pakistan's Kurram Valley, 2024.

From the data above, it is clear that 2024 has been a year of renewed violence, with bombings, ambushes, and targeted killings continuing to devastate the Shia community. The perpetrators of these attacks often belong to militant groups with a strong anti-Shia ideology, including ISIS-Khorasan and local sectarian outfits like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

The Role of Extremist Groups

The rise of extremist groups such as Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) in the region has significantly contributed to the intensification of the Shia genocide. IS-KP has openly targeted Shia Muslims as part of its broader jihadist agenda, which includes the establishment of an Islamic caliphate that excludes Shias. Parachinar, in the Upper Kurram tehsil with its large Shia population, has become a key battleground for ISKP and other like-minded groups seeking to sow sectarian discord.^[6] In addition to ISIS-K, groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) have also played a major role in orchestrating attacks on the Shia community. LeJ, which has a history of targeting Shia Muslims in Pakistan, continues to operate in the Kurram Valley, despite efforts by the Pakistani military to suppress them. These groups receive funding, training, and logistical support from both local and international sources, making it difficult for the government to combat them effectively.

The Failure of the Pakistani State

The Pakistani government’s response to the ongoing violence in Parachinar has been widely criticized for being ineffective and inconsistent. While there have been military operations in the region, including airstrikes and ground assaults aimed at clearing out militant hideouts, these measures have often been insufficient in addressing the root causes of sectarian violence. Many local residents argue that the government has failed to provide adequate protection to the Shia community, and that its security forces have often been complicit in sectarian discrimination. One of the most significant failures of the state has been its inability to bring perpetrators to justice. Despite the high-profile nature of many attacks, the prosecution of those responsible has been rare. This impunity has emboldened extremist groups and further marginalized the Shia population. The Shia community in Parachinar has long complained about the lack of basic security and political representation. In 2017, protests erupted in Parachinar after a bomb blast killed over 70 people, and the government’s failure to prevent such attacks prompted widespread anger. The protests, however, were met with little response from the central government, further deepening the sense of neglect.

International Response and Humanitarian Crisis

The international community has largely ignored the Shia genocide in Parachinar. Although human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the violence, there has been little pressure on the Pakistani government to take meaningful action. The humanitarian situation in Parachinar remains dire. Thousands of Shia Muslims have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing violence, and many families are living in precarious conditions. The lack of healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure compounds the suffering of the displaced population. The local economy has also been severely impacted, with businesses closed and residents too afraid to venture out of their homes.

The Shia genocide in Parachinar is not just a local tragedy; it is a reflection of the deep sectarian divisions within Pakistan and the failure of the state to protect its citizens. The Shia population of Parachinar has endured decades of violence, discrimination, and neglect, and the events of 2024 serve as a reminder that the situation remains unresolved. The situation in Parachinar is not just a tragic, but also a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for both national and international efforts to address sectarian violence and protect vulnerable communities. The Shia population of Parachinar, enduring decades of violence, discrimination, and neglect, represents a broader crisis of human rights that demands immediate attention. To end the cycle of violence, it is essential that the Pakistani government takes responsibility for ensuring the safety of its citizens, dismantles extremist militias, and enforces the rule of law.

In addition, there must be accountability for those responsible for the violence, with perpetrators facing justice to deter future atrocities. The international community also has a role to play by exerting diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to fulfill its obligations to protect religious minorities and by providing humanitarian aid to those affected.

Dr. Syed Eesar Mehdi is a Research Fellow at International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi, India.

Endnote

[1] Human Rights Watch. “Pakistan: Escalating Violence Against Shia Muslims” (2013)
[2]  Henri Astier, “Dozens killed in Pakistan sectarian violence”, BBC (2024)
[3] International Crisis Group, “A New Era of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan” (2022)
[4] Ibid.
[5] Muhammad Siddique Ali Pirzada, “Endemic Violence and State Failure: Targeting Of Shia Muslims in Pakistan”, (2024)
[6] Israar Shahid, “The Plight of Shias in Pakistan”, Brighter Kashmir (2024)