40 Shi’ite Muslims Killed in Ambush as Violence Erupts in Pakistan’s Parachinar

PESHAWAR, November 22, 2024 – At least 40 Shi’ite Muslims were killed in a violent attack on an escorted bus convoy in Parachinar, a town in Pakistan’s remote northwestern region. The victims were sprayed with automatic gunfire in a deadly ambush on Friday.

The Parachinar district, located along the border with Afghanistan, has long been a flashpoint for sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi’ite communities, fueled by disputes over land and power. In response to the attack, angry crowds gathered in the town, demanding justice.

Due to ongoing tensions, travelers in the region typically travel in convoys, escorted by security forces, to ensure their safety. Authorities have not yet identified the attackers, and investigations are ongoing.