On November 21, Parachinar was struck by a horrific massacre when a security convoy, authorised to protect over 700 civilians, came under a brutal attack. More than 100 people were killed, including over 20 women and more than 20 children, between the ages of six months to 13 years. Many civilians were abducted by terrorists. The atrocities left the region in shock.
The convoy was traveling to Parachinar to ensure the safe return of citizens after the government- and local terrorists - had set up roadblocks since October 11 which paralysed movement in the area.
Eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media show the horrifying details of the atrocity. Terrorists fired extensively at the convoy and then targeted the bodies, shooting them in the head to ensure that all life had truly left them. Survivors, including children and women, were subjected to unimaginable brutality—many were killed with knives, and their bodies thrown into sewerage drains. Many others are missing.
Despite the overwhelming evidence in the form of videos and pictures shared on social media platforms, the authorities have imposed a media and internet blackout across the district, effectively silencing coverage of the tragedy.
Kurram's sectarian conflict since 2007
This barbaric act is not an individual incident. Since 2007, Parachinar has been trapped in a tragic cycle of sectarian violence. Terror groups such as the Lashkar-e Jangvi, Dae'sh, The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other local militant groups have been carrying out comparable attacks over the past 17 years, killing over 3,000 people and injuring 5,000 more. The city of Parachinar has frequently found itself under siege, where it was either directly attacked or found access to help blocked. The militants would attack ambulances and destroy food supplies.
For years, residents of Parachinar have suffered tremendous hardship. Families have lost their loved ones, children have grown up in fear, and mothers continue to mourn their sons and husbands. At least a generation of children growing up watching their fathers and uncles go to fight wars they never asked for, and wept when many of them never returned.
Ten years after the flare up of violence proved to be especially bloody with multiple attacks. In January 2017, a crowded vegetable market became the site of a horrific terror attack, when a bomb went off killing over 50 people and injuring more than 100.
Then in March 2017, 23 people had been killed when a car bomb blew up near an Imambargah, and 70 others were injured. In the aftermath of that blast, protests erupted in the region. But instead of addressing their grievances, the security forces fired on the demonstrators, claiming additional lives.
Each attack added to the grief of a community already overwhelmed by loss, so much so that today there is no home in Parachinar without a martyr or a loved one who wasn't injured in the violence.
Attacks against convoys are among the most horrific incidents in Parachinar's troubled history. Terrorists have long targetted convoys, slaughtering victims with knives, tearing apart bodies, burning passengers alive, and returning chopped heads to their families. Unable to retrieve the remains of their loved ones, several families felt forced to bury empty graves. Over time, these cruel deeds have been committed repeatedly, leaving the community permanently damaged.
The region remains trapped in a brutal cycle of violence, yet media coverage has been limited, and government involvement in securing peace has been negligible.
A long struggle for justice
On November 8, residents of Parachinar had staged a peaceful march (Walk for Peace) for two days. Their demands included security, justice, and for the government to ensure they remain connected with the rest of the country. Despite facing decades of intermittent and bloody conflict, residents of this region chose to appeal for justice rather than resort to violence.
The irony is clear. While this tragic incident took place, the mainstream media remained focused on political events such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) impending 'final call' protest in the federal capital and the viral, indecent videos of different TikTokers. Pakistani media and news organisations have opted to cover petty issues for ratings and mostly ignored the tragedy, forcing the residents of Parachinar to mourn in isolation.
The brutal murder in Parachinar provides an acute example of the region's chronic challenges of sectarianism, official disinterest, and extremist brutality
Sectarianism and state negligence
The state’s silence has been deafening. The government’s failure to secure Parachinar’s citizens and its alleged complicity in failing to tackle militant groups have fueled public outrage. The blocking of roads, the absence of effective security, and the lack of accountability for past incidents have left residents feeling abandoned by their country.
Words of condemnation are insufficient to express the depth of loss in Parachinar. The brutal mass murder in Parachinar provides an acute example of the region's chronic challenges of sectarianism, official disinterest, and extremist brutality. Without accountability, this cycle of violence and sectarianism will continue to exist, putting more innocent lives in danger. It is serious that the state breaks its silence, addresses these systemic shortcomings, and prioritises the protection of every one of its citizens. Until then, the people of Parachinar remain trapped in a cycle of fear and violence, yearning for justice and peace.
Development for peace
As an urban planner, witnessing the difficulties in my hometown Parachinar strengthens my belief in the importance of peace and security and long-term sustainable development. Parachinar's geography, infrastructure, and connection with the rest of the country are important for its development, and the resilience of its people shows their desire for a prospering and peaceful city.
No community, nor its people, can completely develop or prosper without a solid foundation of peace. Infrastructure and services are important, but they will only succeed in a conflict-free environment. The scenario in Parachinar currently highlights the need to include safety, unity in society, and involvement of the public in development plans and policies from the perspective of urban planning.
Sustainable development includes more than simply constructing roads and buildings; it also requires a commitment to security, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights.
Personal reflections and past experiences
The Parachinar Valley was once known for its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural legacy. But of late it has become a symbol of dread and mourning. As a local who has witnessed these endless acts of violence since 2007, I can relate to the terrible toll it has taken on the people of Parachinar. My memories of Parachinar are extremely personal and terrifying, having witnessed my homeland bleed for nearly two decades.
In 2007, when I was in the sixth grade studying at the local government school, the first waves of violence erupted. Schools suddenly shut down and all life came to a halt. It took nearly two years for the schools to reopen, but by then, the sounds of guns and rockets had grown so common that as children, we played outside even while missiles bombarded our village. When classes finally resumed, our teachers taught us how to react if a missile struck our school. We learned evacuation exercises in the following order: They instructed us to evacuate in an organised manner, with primary school children going first, followed by the middle and then upper grades. The exercises became a part of our daily routine, a sharp reminder of the vulnerability of life. However, the sense of normalcy was short-lived. Schools would often operate for a month, only to shut down for several months again as the violence escalated.
Every trip felt like going to war. My family would bid farewell with prayers and tears, fearing they might not see me again. The journey from home to Peshawar or Islamabad was fraught with uncertainty
One particular memory has stayed with me. When I was in the ninth grade, we were having a math exam and one of our greatest fears became reality - a missile struck our village mid-exam. It forced our teachers to evacuate us to a potato field nearly four to five kilometers away.
Even after being evacuated, we sat on the ground and continued writing our papers. All the while the sounds of war kept growing closer, surrounding us. We completed our remaining exams in that field.
As I grew older, the situation worsened. Roads leading to Parachinar became unsafe and were frequently closed. Visiting home became a perilous journey, undertaken only on Eid or other rare occasions. Every trip felt like going to war. My family would bid me farewell with prayers and tears, fearing they might not see me again. The journey from my home to Peshawar or Islamabad was always fraught with uncertainty. Families anxiously awaited updates until we reached our destinations in Peshawar or Islamabad, safe from the violence in the valley.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred in June 2017, when twin blasts on the 27th of Ramazan ripped through the valley. The bomb attack took place at RP Chowk just before the Iftar time as people prepared for Eid. As rescuers and bystanders rushed to help the victims of the first blast, a second blast occurred, resulting in over 100 deaths and 225 injuries. This tragedy was personal for me as I lost my cousin, Imtiaz Hussain — whom we called Zazi with affection and who worked at the AQH Hospital — who had rushed to help the injured after the first blast. He had rushed to save lives but ended up losing his own in the second blast.
Parachinar’s story is one of resilience despite unimaginable suffering. Its people are tired of burying their loved ones and living in constant fear. Generations have grown up knowing nothing but violence, yet the people continue to demand peace and justice, refusing to retaliate with hatred. The region, rich in culture and history, has been left to suffer due to governmental negligence and insufficient efforts to bring lasting peace.
Parachinar has been bleeding for over 17 years. Neglected by successive governments, the valley has witnessed countless dark episodes of terrorism, convoy attacks, land disputes, sectarian wars, and targeted blasts. Enough blood has been spilled. The people of Parachinar are tired of burying their loved ones. They deserve the right to live in safety, to dream of a future without fear, and to see an end to this cycle of violence.
The time has come for the authorities to take some responsibility. It is also time for the authorities to prioritise development of Parachinar, from infrastructure, and education, to healthcare, and security to restore dignity and hope to the people of this valley. The government must ensure that the tragedies of the past are not repeated and that future generations can live in peace, free from the shadows of war and violence. The region needs urgent attention, with genuine efforts for peace, and justice for the lives lost.