What’s behind Shia-Sunni violence in Kurram, land dispute, Pakistani Taliban or sectarianism?

The recent violence in Pakistan's Kurram District has once again highlighted the escalating issue of sectarianism. Rooted in the country’s history, sectarian tensions continue to fuel unrest, with devastating consequences for communities and national stability. In this episode of New Wave Global, host Rabia Mehmood sits down with Zia Ur Rahman, a Pakistani journalist, researcher, and author, to discuss the ongoing violence between Shia and Sunni tribes in Kurram. Rahman explains the history of sectarian violence in the region, its drivers and factors that have sustained these divisions over the decades. Rahman explains that sectarian tensions in Kurram differ from Shia-Sunni violence elsewhere in Pakistan, as they are deeply tied to land ownership disputes. He highlights how Kurram’s geographical location—bordering Afghanistan—the Iranian revolution, and decades of Sunni refugee migration have all contributed to the conflict between Sunni and Shia tribes. Tune in for more insights.