Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nov 29 (V7N)– The death toll from ongoing sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has risen to 111, with an additional 156 injured, according to a report by Geo News. The unrest has persisted for nine consecutive days, disrupting daily life and trade in the region.

The violence began on November 21, when gunmen attacked a Shia passenger bus, leaving 43 people dead. The incident triggered widespread clashes, exacerbating tensions between the two communities.

The Peshawar-Parachinar highway has remained closed, paralyzing transportation and commerce in the affected areas. Javedullah Mehsud, Deputy Commissioner of Kurram District, confirmed that trade activities along the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan have been suspended due to the highway's closure, causing significant economic fallout.

Internet and mobile services have also been cut off in the region, further isolating residents and hampering communication.

Sectarian strife between Shia and Sunni communities has been a recurring issue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shares a border with Afghanistan. These tensions have escalated over the past few months, culminating in the recent violence.

The continued violence and disruptions have raised concerns among humanitarian organizations about the region's stability and the well-being of its residents. Calls for immediate intervention and reconciliation are growing to prevent further loss of life and restore peace in the region.

END/RH/AJ