By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – The death toll from tribal clashes in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province rose to 35 on Saturday, as violence continues to escalate in the volatile Kurram district near the Afghan border.

The clashes erupted late Friday following Thursday’s deadly attack on passenger vans by unidentified gunmen, which had already left 45 people dead and dozens injured.

According to local police, so far 35 people killed and nearly 100 injured since Friday night.

The unrest in Kurram has triggered widespread chaos in the region:

 Thursday’s ambush targeted a convoy of passenger vehicles, killing 45 people and leaving 16 others hospitalized, some in critical condition.

 Retaliatory violence erupted between rival factions, adding to the death toll and further destabilizing the region.

 Social media footage showed gunmen setting fire to homes, government buildings, and a local market during the clashes.

In response to the deteriorating situation, local authorities have taken emergency measures, including:

• Curfew: A district-wide curfew to restrict movement and prevent further violence.
• Mobile Service Suspension: The shutdown of mobile networks to curb the spread of inflammatory information.
• Business Closures: Schools and businesses in remote areas have been temporarily closed.

Deputy Commissioner Javidullah Mehsud told reporters that efforts are underway to convene a jirga (tribal assembly) to mediate between the warring factions and prevent further bloodshed. Local elders and tribal leaders have been called upon to play a key role in brokering peace.

The Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, has seen repeated outbreaks of violence fueled by tribal disputes and militant activity

This year in September, at least 46 people were killed in clashes while earlier in July around 43 people lost lives and 180 injured.