Pakistan: Sectarian Turmoil in Kurram | Governance Failures | Can Peace Prevail?

This episode of Unraveled with Marvi Sirmed delves into the violent unrest engulfing Kurram District, with Parachinar at its center, and unrest in Pakistan’s former tribal areas. Over 100 lives lost, families displaced, and an uneasy ceasefire barely holding—this is a story of systemic failures, weaponized sectarianism, and governance paralysis. Joining the host is the journalist Iftikhar Firdaus, founder and editor of The Khorasan Diary. They discuss the deep-seated land disputes that have played a crucial role in escalating violence, as well as the influence of external forces and sectarian narratives amplified through social media. The discussants also cover how Pakistan’s security and governance apparatus has struggled to ensure peace, while offering tangible solutions for both short-term and long-term stability in Kurram. Tune in to uncover the untold dimensions of a crisis that continues to haunt Pakistan.