Pakistani Shia Muslim supporters of Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) hold placards as they chant slogans to condemn the killings of people, after gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in the Kurram tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, during a protest in Karachi, Pakistan November 22, 2024.
Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas announced the end of nationwide sit-ins on Wednesday, hours after a tribal jirga finalized a peace deal to address sectarian violence in Kurram district, northwestern Pakistan.
The sit-ins, held in cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar, were launched in solidarity with victims of the Kurram conflict. The crisis had left roads blocked, cutting off food and medical supplies. Abbas described the region as resembling "Gaza," with people dying from lack of medicine.
"We decided to become the voice of these oppressed people," Abbas said at a press conference in Islamabad. "Our protests, from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan, drew attention not only from the government but also the global community."
Calls for accountability
Abbas criticized the Sindh government for its handling of peaceful protests in Karachi, where he claimed police opened fire on demonstrators. "This exposed the fascist face of the Sindh Chief Minister and Home Minister," he said, vowing to ensure that the blood of victims like Shabih Haider Zaidi is not wasted.
Protest condemning sectarian clashes in Pakistan's Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, in Islamabad on December 27, 2024.
AFP
The MWM chief thanked Sunni and Shia communities, the media, and international supporters for amplifying the cause. However, he cautioned the government to implement the peace agreement without delay.
"Roads will only reopen once the terms of the deal are honored. If Bilawal Bhutto Zardari fails to initiate an inquiry, we will file a case," he warned.
Kurram peace agreement
The 14-point peace deal was finalized after weeks of negotiation and more than 50 jirga sessions mediated by the Kohat Division Commissioner. It includes disarmament, the dismantling of bunkers, and the rehabilitation of displaced families.
Abbas confirmed that a convoy carrying food and medicine would depart for Kurram on Saturday. "Until the first convoy reaches, the people of Kurram will remain in protest," he said.
Despite the agreement, Abbas emphasized vigilance. "The government must act swiftly to ensure the deal is implemented. Delays will not be tolerated," he added.
The MWM protests highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Kurram and the urgent need for sustainable peace in the region.
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