KEY POINTS
- Both sects pledged to uphold the Tiga and respect its conditions
- Reaffirmed commitment to implementing the January 1, 2015 Kohat Agreement in full
- Agreed to engage in dialogue
- Violation of this agreement to be considered a criminal offence
PESHAWAR, Pakistan: More than 15 elders from the Shia Alizai tribe entered the FC Fort in Sadda, Kurram tribal district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Saturday. Over a dozen elders from the rival Sunni Watezai tribe were already present there.
Despite their longstanding hostility, tribesmen from both sides shook hands in a historic moment. They sat together on the lush green lawn of the FC Fort. Although the sun was harsh, the cool breeze made the heat bearable.
The meeting began with a recitation from the holy Quran, followed by the district administration expressing gratitude to both tribes for their participation.
For the first time in eight months, Shia tribal elders have stepped into a Sunni area. Even though both sides harbour deep-seated resentment, they were convinced to sit together to prevent further bloodshed.
An official of the district administration says that the real issue is a lack of trust. Otherwise, these communities once shared each other’s joys and sorrows for decades. If they sit together again, peace will follow.
Negotiations and agreement
During the Jirga—a traditional assembly of the tribal elders in Pashtun culture—both tribes presented their perspectives and grievances.
At one point, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amir Nawaz Khan intervened, saying, “We are not here to argue about past conflicts; we are here to establish peace. What’s done is done. Now, we must look forward with open hearts.”
“We are not here to argue about past conflicts; we are here to establish peace. What’s done is done. Now, we must look forward with open hearts.” – Addl DC Amir Nawaz Khan.
The discussions continued for hours, despite the participants fasting during Ramadan.
Finally, after extensive deliberation, the district administration drafted a peace agreement. Both sides signed the document, marking a significant step towards reconciliation.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner invoked the concept of Tiga—a traditional conflict-resolution system in Pashtun tribal culture used to impose a temporary truce between warring parties—and led a prayer for lasting peace.
The event concluded with the tribesmen exchanging embraces and congratulating each other.
Key highlights of the pact
Eight elders from the Sunni Watezai tribe and as many from the Shia Alizai tribe signed the agreement, which included the following terms:
- Both tribes pledged to uphold the Tiga and respect its conditions.
- They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the January 1, 2015 Kohat Agreement in full.
- During the peace period, both tribes agreed to engage in dialogue whenever necessary and to cooperate fully with the authorities.
- Any violation of this agreement would be considered a criminal offence, and the government and administration would have full authority to take action against violators.
Both tribes also committed to assisting the administration in enforcing the agreement.
A senior district official explained that the Tiga would remain in effect until November 30, 2024 and described it as the most significant step toward peace following recent violence in Kurram.
Dr. Abdul Qadir Orakzai, a leader of the Sunni Watezai tribe, says that the Kohat Agreement lacked a formal ceasefire. “But today, with this Tiga, we have officially established a ceasefire.”
“While the Sadda Peace Agreement won’t resolve all disputes overnight, it is a crucial step toward long-term stability.” – District administration official.
This agreement, he adds, primarily applies to Lower Kurram, particularly areas where over 10 attacks targeted Shia and security convoys in recent months.
This is the first practical step toward peace, reached with the consent of both parties, he says.
Decades of bloodshed
Kurram tribal district has long been divided into two sectarian regions: Shia-majority Upper Kurram and Sunni-majority Lower Kurram.
Since the 1980s, violent clashes between the two communities have erupted repeatedly due to disputes over land, road access, and other issues.
Thousands of people have died in these conflicts, with both sides using heavy weaponry during hostilities.
The violence escalated significantly after the November 2024 clashes, prompting the government to launch a security operation in Lower Kurram.
A police official reveals that “During this operation, 60 homes belonging to armed groups were demolished, and 5,000 people were displaced.”
Likewise, a senior official of the district administration remarks that foreign elements have historically played a role in fuelling sectarian conflicts in Kurram.
“While the Sadda Peace Agreement won’t resolve all disputes overnight, it is a crucial step toward long-term stability.”
