The Rise in Sectarian Violence in Pakistan: A Crisis Ignored

By Fatima Chaudhary 

Pakistan is witnessing a dangerous resurgence of sectarian violence, particularly in the northwest, where ethnic and religious tensions have long festered. The recent wave of unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, particularly in Kurram District, underscores a grim reality: a combination of state inaction, systemic marginalization, and a fertile environment for radicalization has led to escalating bloodshed.

Kurram, a mountainous district bordering Afghanistan, has long been a microcosm of the sectarian fault lines that divide Pakistan. Sunni and Shi’a communities have coexisted in this region for centuries but have often clashed violently over land, resources, and religious differences. Historically, these tensions were sporadic and localized. However, the emergence of militant groups over the past two decades has turned Kurram into a battleground for sectarian dominance.

The latest violence erupted after a deadly attack on November 21 targeting a police-escorted convoy of Shi’a Muslims traveling from Peshawar to Parachinar, the district’s capital. The ambush killed at least 50 people, including women and children, setting off retaliatory attacks and further clashes throughout the region. Despite imposing curfews and suspending mobile services, authorities failed to contain the unrest, leading to attacks on military checkpoints and government installations. Locals, both Shi’a and Sunni, have expressed frustration at the government’s inability to maintain peace, pointing to the role of external forces and provocateurs in stoking the violence.

The rise of extremist ideologies has further deepened the sectarian divide. Groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi have targeted Shi’a communities, viewing them as apostates. Meanwhile, local Sunni factions accuse Shi’a militias, some of which have links to regional conflicts, of exacerbating tensions. These groups exploit existing grievances, fueling cycles of revenge and hostility.

Experts have noted how the lack of state control in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has allowed militant organizations to thrive. The porous border with Afghanistan, coupled with insufficient law enforcement, has made the region a hotbed for militancy. Efforts to counter these groups have often been reactive and ineffective, leaving the local population vulnerable to extremist violence.

The roots of the crisis extend beyond religious differences. Political marginalization and weak governance have created a vacuum that fosters instability. Since the merger of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, promises of development and integration have largely gone unfulfilled. Instead, these regions remain underdeveloped, with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to education and healthcare.

The federal government and the military, which play an outsized role in Pakistan’s governance, have been accused of prioritizing security over development. Policies granting sweeping powers to security forces have led to widespread human rights abuses, further alienating local communities. Instead of addressing underlying grievances, the state has often resorted to heavy-handed tactics, which only deepen mistrust and resentment.

Pakistan’s Shi’a minority has long faced systemic discrimination, often treated as second-class citizens in a Sunni-majority country. This marginalization is not limited to religious identity but intersects with ethnic and regional dynamics. For instance, many Shi’a in Kurram belong to Pashtun tribes, a group that has historically been sidelined in national politics.

The lack of representation in decision-making processes has exacerbated feelings of exclusion. This political disenfranchisement, combined with economic neglect, creates a fertile ground for radicalization. Young people in these marginalized communities, with limited opportunities, are particularly vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups.

The Pakistani establishment, including the military and civilian government, bears significant responsibility for the current crisis. Despite repeated cycles of violence, there has been little effort to implement sustainable solutions. Critics argue that the military’s focus on maintaining control, rather than addressing the root causes of conflict, has perpetuated instability.

Furthermore, the establishment’s selective approach to countering extremism has undermined its credibility. While some militant groups are targeted, others are tacitly allowed to operate, often due to their perceived strategic value. This double standard not only emboldens extremists but also erodes public trust in the state’s ability to ensure justice and security.

The increasing sectarian violence in Pakistan is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. Inaction by the establishment, coupled with a conducive environment for radicalization and the marginalization of ethnic and religious minorities, has created a dangerous spiral of conflict. Breaking this cycle requires a shift in priorities—from short-term security measures to long-term investments in peace, justice, and equality. The Pakistani Government and Army must adopt a consistent and impartial approach to countering extremism. All militant groups, regardless of their affiliations or ideological leanings, should be dismantled. Without this commitment, the bloodshed will continue, further destabilizing an already fragile region.

Fatima Chaudhary is a lecturer at a private university in Punjab province.

Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.