Sectarian violence in Pakistan leaves more than 80 dead

On November 24, a delegation from the Pakistani government met with tribal leaders in the country's northwest to mediate a ceasefire between rival sectarian groups after fierce fighting broke out in recent days, causing heavy casualties.

In a statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Muhammad Ali Saif said a government delegation had flown to Parachinar town of Kurram district on November 23 to meet with Shiite and Sunni Muslim leaders there. Ali Saif said the contacts with both sides had yielded positive results.

Clashes broke out after gunmen attacked vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims in northwestern Pakistan on November 21, killing at least 40 people, including women and children.

In retaliation, Shiite Muslims attacked several Sunni sites in Kurram district the following evening.

Several fierce clashes between armed groups on both sides also occurred. A local official said at least 82 people were killed and 156 injured after three days of clashes.

Tensions have existed for decades between Shiite Muslims and armed Sunni Muslims over land disputes in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan.