At least 42 killed in attack on passenger vehicles in Pakistan's Kurram district

At least 42 people were killed on Thursday (Nov 21) after gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in the Kurram district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

The convoy of vehicles was travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar when unidentified gunmen attacked it in the Uchat area of Kurram district. 

The deaths were confirmed by Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Alizai official, Dr Ghayuur Hussain. Meanwhile, several others were also injured, including three women. 

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. This comes as Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks in the past months, mainly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

Also read: Pakistan sectarian violence: 16 killed as Sunni, Shiite tribes clash in Kurram district

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the victims' families, adding that those responsible for the incident should be punished. He further urged that timely medical aid be provided to the injured.

Earlier on Wednesday, at least 12 security personnel were killed in a suicide attack in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

The Kurram district has been witnessing clashes between various tribes and parties, claiming dozens of lives. It further led to frequent closure of main and link roads as well as the border with Afghanistan. 

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Last month, at least 16 people, including three women and two children, were killed in a tribal clash in Kurram district.

After the firing incidents last month, the main Parachinar-Peshawar and other routes were closed due to fear of more similar incidents. 

(With inputs from agencies)