Pakistan government mediators seek ceasefire as 68 killed in sectarian violence

A authorities delegation flew successful to Parachinar – Kurram’s main metropolis – connected Saturday to conscionable leaders of some sides, said Muhammad Ali Saif, accusation curate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa state wherever Kurram is located.

The delegation met with Shi’ite leaders and stayed overnight to conscionable with Sunni leaders connected Sunday to effort to broker a ceasefire woody and past determination to resoluteness the matter, helium said successful a statement.

“There person been affirmative developments successful engagements with stakeholders,” helium said.

Two authorities sources, who asked to stay anonymous owed to the sensitivity of the matter, said the decease toll from retaliatory unit since Thursday’s autobus attacks had risen to astatine slightest 28.

They feared the toll would emergence arsenic communications successful the country are down and caller accusation connected casualties is hard to travel by. They said the chopper carrying the authorities delegation was besides changeable at, but managed to onshore safely connected Saturday.

Armed groups person attacked settlements that are populated by members of rival sects. Many homes person been evacuated, portion markets and schools stay closed. A fig of petrol stations person been acceptable alight, the officials said.