Introduction to Parachinar

• Parachinar is the main city of Kurram District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
• It is located 580 kilometers from Islamabad and 258 kilometers from Peshawar.
• The city is situated at the banks of the Kurram River at the foothills of Koh-e-Safaid.

Geographical Location

• Parachinar is located near the border with Afghanistan.
• The Kurram Valley is divided into upper and lower parts; Parachinar is in the upper part.
• Surrounded on three sides by Afghanistan and to the east by Pakistani land.
• Nearest Afghan provinces: Nangarhar, Khost, Paktia.
• Western borders: Khyber District, Orakzai, North Waziristan, Hangu.

Historical Background

• Kurram Agency is mentioned in the Baburnama of Mughal Emperor Zahir-ud-din Babur.
• In 1890, the Turi tribe collaborated with the British to integrate Kurram Agency into India.
• The Turi Militia was formed in 1893, later known as the Kurram Militia.
• In 1948, Kurram Agency became part of Pakistan.

Culture and Society

• The Turi and Bangash tribes reside here, belonging to the Pashtun descent.
• Kurram Valley is famous for agriculture and horticulture; locals have been farming for ages.
• The majority of the population in Parachinar adheres to the Shia sect.

Sectarian Conflicts

• The history of sectarian issues spans approximately seventy years.
• Major incidents occurred between 2007-2008, continuing for 4 years.
• Parachinar has been the center of these riots.

Current Issues

• During the Afghan war, Mujahideen made Parachinar a center.
• Issues escalated after 2005, leading to the road to Parachinar being blocked.
• Sectarian-based riots often lead to security and safety issues.