Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: In the past 24 hours, tribal clashes in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have claimed at least 37 lives and left over 30 injured, according to police reports cited by PTI. The sectarian violence, centered in the Kurram district near the Afghanistan border, began following a deadly assault on passenger vans on Thursday in Parachinar that resulted in 47 fatalities.

Authorities have deployed senior officials via helicopter to manage the escalating crisis. Despite these efforts, tribal elders warn of further unrest, underscoring the region's fragile state.

A high-ranking government delegation, including the province's law minister, chief secretary, and police inspector general, has also been sent to address the deteriorating situation. According to officials, intense fighting between the Alizai and Bagan tribes has seen the use of heavy and automatic weaponry, causing significant destruction to homes and businesses and displacing villagers seeking safety.

Education in the district has been disrupted, with schools and colleges closed. Videos from the area show graphic scenes, including the remains of victims and attackers. Reports of six women being taken hostage remain unconfirmed due to limited connectivity.

Gunfire continues across multiple areas, and the closure of the Thall-Sada-Parachinar Highway has severed links to Kohat, worsening shortages of essential supplies. Local leaders criticize the government for failing to ensure travel safety, an issue they had raised repeatedly over the past weeks.

Recent history underscores the region's volatility. Sectarian conflicts over land disputes in September resulted in over 50 deaths and 120 injuries. Earlier, July's clashes left dozens dead and hundreds injured. The region’s proximity to volatile Afghan provinces further complicates security efforts.