By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – At least 38 people including women and children were killed when gunmen fired on passenger vans in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan 

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “Right now, 38 people have been killed in Kurram district.”

Gunmen targeted a convoy of passenger vans in the Lower Kurram area, indiscriminately firing at vehicles, according to local police. Among the victims were several women, highlighting the brutality of the assault.

The region has been grappling with escalating violence, including tribal clashes and militant activity, contributing to a volatile security situation.

The Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, has a history of tribal conflicts. In September, at least 46 people were killed in fierce tribal clashes before elders intervened to negotiate a cease-fire.

Tensions flared again earlier this month when local tribes blocked roads in protest over unresolved disputes. The roads were reopened by the local administration after two weeks, restoring traffic, but underlying grievances remained unresolved.

The attack in Kurram underscores the deteriorating security situation in the region, with a sharp uptick in militant and tribal violence.

The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been a frequent target of terror attacks, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the attackers or their motives, but efforts are underway to investigate and prevent further escalation in the violence-prone district.

This latest assault adds to the growing death toll from violence across Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for conflict resolution and enhanced security measures in affected areas.