Save Parachinar: Stop the Genocide, Deliver Justice, and Restore Peace for 850,000 peoples

The issue

Petition Addressing Genocide and Human Rights Violations in Parachinar, District Kurrum, Pakistan

To:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ),
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
International Criminal Court (ICC)
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
United States State Department
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR)
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Save the Children
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRC)
UN Women
The Commonwealth Secretariat
Australian Human Rights Commission
Global Justice Center (GJC)
The Elders (Global Leaders Advocacy Group)
Refugees International
Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) 
World Health Organization (WHO) 
Relief International  
International Rescue Committee (IRC)  
Child Rights International Network (CRIN)  
Plan International  
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Office of the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide  
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)  
Arab Human Rights Committee (Charter Committee)  
Islamic Relief Worldwide  
World Council of Churches (WCC)  
Minority Rights Group International (MRG)
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
Human Rights First  
Geneva Call  
 

 

Subject: Urgent Intervention to Address the Genocide and Systemic Human Rights Violations in Parachinar, Kurram District, Pakistan

Introduction

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District in Pakistan, is enduring an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, driven by systemic violence, targeted sectarian attacks, and gross governmental negligence. Over 850,000+ residents have been trapped under a suffocating blockade for more than 100+ days, deprived of essential supplies, including food, medicines, LPG, fuel, oxygen, and other critical resources. Hundreds of lives have already been lost, including at least 128+ children and 200+ adults who succumbed to injuries, starvation, or preventable illnesses and the Total deaths has increased to total 650+ in these two years and leaving 1200+ Injured because of the wars. The region’s dwindling resources will only last another 10 more days, after which the death toll is expected to escalate exponentially unless immediate action is taken.

This suffering is exacerbated by extremist groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K), Al-Qaeda, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These groups exploit unresolved land disputes to justify their relentless violence against Shia, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh populations.

This is nothing else but an unimaginable genocide targeting the Shia community. It is not new—Parachinar has a history of horrifying attacks so gruesome and relentless that they defy comprehension, leaving generations scarred and communities devastated.

Key Incidents: A Glimpse into the Atrocities

November 21, 2024, Convoy Ambush: 
May 4, 2023, Teri Mangal School Massacre: 
December 22, 2024, Genocide Incident, Ishaq Hussain and Wasim Abbas killed:
Wahab Hussain Incident:
Attack on Lady Doctor and Her Father on January 7th 2024: 
2007-2011 Blockade and War 
1996 School Blackboards Incident:
2017 Twin Bombings:


Unresolved land disputes have further fuelled tensions. The Colonial era Treaty and Murree Accord, signed in 2008 by tribal elders from both Sunni and Shia communities to address these disputes, remains unimplemented, allowing extremist groups to exploit these issues to justify violence.

In response to the escalating violence and governmental inaction, 200,000+ of Parachinar residents embarked on a historic peace march from Parachinar to Peshawar in early November 2024. This peaceful demonstration aimed to demand security, justice, and the reopening of the Thall-Parachinar Road, emphasizing the community's desire for peace over conflict.

Despite the gravity of the crisis, the Pakistani government has failed to act decisively. The Thall-Parachinar Road, under state control, remains unsecured, enabling repeated ambushes. Historical agreements, such as the Murree Accord, which was designed to resolve disputes and foster peace, have been ignored.

Under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan enjoyed relative stability, reduced conflict, and stronger communal unity across Pashtun, Balochi, and Kashmiri populations. However, his removal and subsequent imprisonment have left a power vacuum that has allowed corruption and sectarian divisions to flourish unchecked, plunging Parachinar and other regions into chaos.

This petition calls for urgent international intervention to alleviate the suffering in Parachinar, ensure accountability for those responsible, and secure justice for the victims of these atrocities. The time to act is now—before Parachinar becomes a forgotten graveyard of unheeded cries and shattered lives.

Background History

The Forgotten Genocide of Parachinar: 130 Years of Oppression and Resilience

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District in Pakistan, is not just enduring a crisis—it is living through a harrowing chapter of a 130-year-long genocide. Its strategic location, bordering Afghanistan and situated on the historic Silk Road, has turned this land into a battleground for geopolitical interests and sectarian violence. Over generations, the resilient people of Parachinar—primarily the Shia community—have faced relentless violence, blockades, and neglect. What is happening now is not new; it is a continuation of over a century of systemic oppression and targeted extermination.

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District, is a region steeped in history but marred by persistent conflict, systemic neglect, and unimaginable atrocities. Over the past two years, more than 640+ lives have been lost due to sectarian violence, targeted killings, and state inaction. This violence is rooted in unresolved land disputes, historical neglect, and exploitation by extremist groups, leaving the 850,000 residents of the region in a state of perpetual crisis.

Geopolitical and Strategic Importance

Parachinar’s proximity to Afghanistan—bordered by Nangarhar, Khost, and Pakhtia provinces, with Kabul only 90 kilometres away—makes it a strategically significant location for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, this strategic importance has rendered Parachinar vulnerable to sectarian conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and terrorist activities.

A History of Betrayal and Neglect

The roots of Parachinar’s suffering can be traced back to the British colonial era, when the region was treated as a buffer zone rather than being integrated politically or economically. Agreements like the Murree Accord, signed to resolve land disputes, remain unimplemented, leaving these disputes to fester and fuel violence. Additionally, the Durand Line Treaty (1893) fractured tribal territories, creating tensions between Afghan and Pakistani tribal populations.

After Pakistan's independence, the region remained under the control of political agents through the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), a system widely criticized for its draconian measures. Even after its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, the Kurram District has seen limited development, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation.

Rise of Extremist Groups

Over the years, Parachinar has become a hotspot for extremist activities. Terrorist groups operating in the region include:

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP): Operating from Afghanistan, the TTP targets Shia populations, with financial backing from Gulf donors.
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ): Funded by Saudi Wahhabi networks, this group has carried out some of the most brutal anti-Shia massacres.
Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K): Utilizes sanctuaries in Afghanistan to launch attacks on Pakistani Shia communities.
Al-Qaeda: Historically linked with the TTP, spreading extremist ideologies and targeting minority groups.
Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP): A Sunni extremist group responsible for inciting sectarian violence.
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP): Politically aligned with anti-Shia rhetoric, exacerbating sectarian divides.

Haqqani Network: While often involved in facilitating strategic agreements in Kurram, the Haqqani Network has exacerbated local sectarian tensions, further destabilizing the region. Their influence has been instrumental in controlling key supply routes in the district.
These groups exploit unresolved land disputes and sectarian divides to justify their actions. The unimplemented Murree Accord, meant to address land disputes, has become a focal point for manipulation by extremist factions.

Notable Attacks and Unimaginable Atrocities

The people of Parachinar have suffered countless attacks, each more brutal than the last. Here is a glimpse of these atrocities:

2007-2011 Blockade and War: The Thall-Parachinar Road, the lifeline for the region, was blocked for four years, forcing the population into isolation. Over 13,000 lives were lost, and hundreds of villages were burned during this period. While Afghanistan provided limited goods at the time, the current Taliban regime has cut off all external aid.
November 21, 2024, Convoy Ambush: Militants ambushed a convoy of 100 vehicles on the Thall-Parachinar Road. Gunfire rained down for 45 minutes, killing over 52 people, including seven women and a six-month-old child who was shot in the mouth. Critically injured victims later died due to a lack of medical supplies.
December 22, 2024, Genocide Incident: Ishaq Hussain and Wasim Abbas, who paid for safe passage, were handed over to terrorists and brutally killed. One victim was beheaded and mutilated into 19 pieces.
·         May 4, 2023, Teri Mangal School Massacre: Seven educators, sent to a Sunni-majority area to foster unity, were brutally killed in a horrific ambush. The perpetrators filmed the atrocity, spreading fear across the region.

·         Despite the provocation, the Shia community responded with peaceful protests, demanding justice and rejecting retaliation. They appealed to the government and international bodies, but the perpetrators remain free, and security measures for educators are still lacking.

·         This tragedy highlights both the resilience of the Shia community and the failure of authorities to address the escalating violence in Parachinar.

 

Wahab Hussain Incident: Returning home after seven years abroad, Wahab Hussain was ambushed and killed on his way to Parachinar.
 

2017 Sectarian Siege and Massacre: Over 300 Shia Muslims were killed during a prolonged siege by extremist groups.
Impact: Thousands were displaced, and the lack of international attention allowed violence to escalate.

2017 Twin Bombings: Two separate bombings targeting Shia communities killed 75 people and injured over 300 in Parachinar. 
Attack on Lady Doctor and Her Father: On January 7th, Najaf Ali and his daughter, Dr. Ruqayah Najaf, were ambushed while traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. Dr. Ruqayah, who was set to join Khyber Medical University as an assistant professor, tragically lost her life in the attack, while their driver was killed instantly. Najaf Ali survived with five bullet wounds but was left to endure the devastating loss of his daughter. This harrowing incident underscores the dire security conditions and the human toll of ongoing violence in the region. 
 

Disruption of Funeral Processions: Attacks on Shia funeral gatherings have been a repeated tactic to spread fear, with militants targeting mourners to inflict maximum emotional and physical damage.

Example: A bomb explosion during a funeral procession in 2016 killed over 30 people.
 

Peace March

The 7 November 2024 Peace March

In a remarkable act of resilience, over 200,000 people from Parachinar participated in a peace march to Peshawar. Barehanded and united, they walked to protest against the violence imposed on them, demanding justice and peace. This march exemplifies the community’s commitment to non-violence, even in the face of relentless oppression.

A Region on the Brink

Today, Parachinar faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The Thall-Parachinar Road has been blocked for over 100+ days, cutting off essential supplies of food, medicines, LPG, and fuel. The situation is critical:

  • 128+ children, including newborns, have died due to lack of medical care.
  • 30+ women and girls, including an 18-year-old cancer patient, succumbed because they couldn’t access treatment.
  • 170+ men, many injured in attacks, later died due to the unavailability of medicines and medical supplies.
    Allegations of State Complicity

A pressing question looms: How can Afghan terrorists and other organizations target Parachinar without the knowledge of Pakistan’s agencies? Allegations of state complicity and negligence are further compounded by the media blackout, which hides the true scale of the atrocities.

Urgency of the Crisis

Parachinar’s 850,000 residents are now living in a virtual prison. With supplies dwindling, the population cannot survive more than 7-10 days without immediate intervention. This is not merely a conflict—it is a genocide, targeting the Shia community with unimaginable brutality.

 

Land Dispute Problems: A Manufactured Excuse for War

The land disputes in Parachinar and the broader Kurram District have been manipulated as a pretext for violence, particularly by extremist groups and complicit leadership. While these disputes stem from historical grievances, their resolution has been deliberately ignored, perpetuating sectarian strife and destabilization. Despite multiple treaties and agreements aimed at resolving these issues, the Pakistani government’s inaction and hidden agendas have left the region in perpetual turmoil.

 
Historical Context of Land Disputes

Colonial-Era Treaty

Purpose: Drafted during British rule to mediate disputes, delineate boundaries, and foster peace through defined protocols and tribal councils (jirgas).
Impact: Designed to prevent land disputes from escalating into violence by balancing tribal rights and ownership.
Current Status: The treaty has disappeared from official records, raising suspicions of deliberate suppression. Its absence leaves the region without a reliable framework for resolving disputes, empowering extremist groups to exploit this vacuum.
Murree Agreement (2008)

Objective: Signed by tribal leaders and government representatives, the agreement aimed to:
Resolve disputes through compensation and conflict resolution.
Reopen roads to ensure essential supplies reached the region.
Facilitate the return of displaced families.
Outcome: The agreement remains unimplemented, leading to widespread mistrust and escalating violence.
Durand Line Agreement (1893)

Relevance: Though not directly tied to Parachinar, the fracturing of traditional tribal lands exacerbated regional tensions, creating jurisdictional ambiguities that still haunt the area.
 
 

 

Exploitation by Extremists

Groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K), and others have weaponized land disputes to justify violence. These groups claim to protect "lost lands" for Sunni tribes, while in reality:

They displace thousands of Shiite residents.
Exploit the government’s failure to implement treaties.
Use propaganda to recruit and incite violence.
 
Betrayal by Local Leadership

Collusion with Extremist Groups

Certain tribal leaders in Parachinar have aligned themselves with extremist groups, prioritizing personal gain over community welfare. Evidence suggests these leaders:

Collaborate with groups like the Taliban to facilitate their operations.
Exploit the chaos of land disputes to consolidate power and control.
Use these disputes as a smokescreen to hide dealings with extremists.
Jirga Decisions and Government Profiteering

The Pashtun jirga system, an institution of tribal conflict resolution, has been reduced to a tool of financial exploitation:

Massive fines, often in crores of rupees, are imposed but never lead to lasting peace.
For example, a recent jirga imposed a fine of Rs. 14 crores, yet violence erupted shortly after.
These fines enrich the government while ignoring the human cost of continued conflict.
 
Betrayal of Provincial Leadership

The Corps Commanders of KPK  

·         The Corps Commanders of KPK, particularly in Kurram District, stand accused of covert involvement in perpetuating conflicts for personal and institutional gain. Allegations suggest they have fueled sectarian tensions and facilitated extremist activities, turning the region into a war zone. By manipulating jirgas, ignoring treaties like the Murree Accord, and prioritizing their financial and strategic interests over peace, they have profited from the ongoing violence. Their actions have reportedly included collusion with extremist groups, allowing them free rein while exploiting the chaos to exert control and earn illicit revenues. This betrayal has left the people of Kurram District feeling abandoned and further endangered.

 

Ali Amin Gandapur

As Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he has failed to act decisively to address the Parachinar crisis and continuously ignoring the situation as nothing has happened.
His betrayal extends beyond Parachinar, as his leadership also failed Imran Khan.
Protests called by Khan, including the Islamabad protest that ended in a massacre, were left incomplete under Gandapur’s oversight.
Despite his authority, Gandapur has done little to ensure peace, reopen blockades, or prevent the genocide in Parachinar.
There have been some accusations of him working with the Taliban and also paying them ?% of Tax of KPK.


Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif

Muhammad Ali Khan Saif’s public denial of the Parachinar genocide has drawn widespread condemnation:
He falsely claimed there was no violence, no deaths, and no blockade.
These statements, exposed as lies, reveal either complicity or wilful ignorance.
 On one hand, he officially denies the number of civilian and child deaths, and on the other, he calls for an operation to disarm the people of Parachinar. These weapons, originally provided by the British, were meant for self-defence against terrorists and the TTP (Taliban), as Parachinar is a tribal border area surrounded on three sides by Afghanistan. His demands are based on false assurances, despite the government’s proven inability to secure even the main roads.
 
Impacts on the Shiite Community

The ongoing violence and neglect have devastated the Shiite community, leaving it on the brink of collapse.

Psychological Trauma

Children grow up amidst daily horrors of violence and death.
Families mourn lost loved ones without justice, compounding grief with hopelessness.
Economic Collapse

Blockades cripple local businesses, cutting off trade and livelihoods.
Farmers face massive losses as produce rots unsold, pushing families into poverty.
Educational Crisis

Teachers are targeted, as seen in the Teri Mangal school massacre, deterring educators from serving the region.
Schools remain underfunded and understaffed, leaving children without access to quality education.
Healthcare Deficiencies

Blockades prevent critically ill patients from accessing medical care, leading to preventable deaths.
Women, children, and the elderly bear the brunt of the crisis.
An 18-year-old girl died of cancer because road blockades prevented her from receiving timely treatment.
Displacement and Refugee Burden

Thousands flee their homes to escape violence, abandoning ancestral lands and livelihoods.
Families are fragmented, and the cultural fabric of the community is eroding.
 

Statement as Chairperson of Tree of Humanity for All (TOHFA):

I Zuhaib Abbas Bangash was born in Parachinar Pakistan April 1986 in Shia Muslim Community I also faced persecution and torture in my life when I was in Pakistan Parachinar Tribal Area Kurram District KPK Pakistan, I Moved to New Zealand in 2013 and now I am Citizen of New Zealand, but I know all the background behind the genocide of Shia Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan especially in Parachinar, 

I as the Chairperson of Tree Of Humanity for All (TOHFA) request to all above stated International Institutions please help our Shia Community and other religions in Parachinar, every day our people are dying, As Government of Pakistan is fail to protect our Shia Community and other religions in Pakistan I would request as per following legal framework, please help Parachinar people to live their life’s without fear of genocide and killing. 

Your support in this matter will save thousands of lives.  

 

Legal Framework: Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Parachinar

Legal Framework: Upholding Justice and Protecting Human Rights in Parachinar

The ongoing crisis in Parachinar constitutes a grave violation of numerous international, regional, and domestic legal frameworks. The following section details the applicable laws and conventions being breached, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and intervention.

 
1. International Legal Obligations

Geneva Conventions (1949) and Additional Protocols

The Geneva Conventions, ratified by Pakistan, provide comprehensive safeguards for civilian populations during armed conflict:

Common Article 3 prohibits:
Violence against life and person, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture.
Hostage-taking and acts intended to spread terror among civilians.
Additional Protocol II mandates:
Protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, from indiscriminate violence.
Unhindered access to humanitarian relief, a provision directly violated by the 100+ day blockade on the Thall-Parachinar road.
The systemic targeting of civilians and deprivation of basic necessities are in direct contravention of these principles.

 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

As a member state of the United Nations, Pakistan is bound by the UDHR, which enshrines fundamental rights, including:

Article 3: The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Article 5: Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 25: The right to an adequate standard of living, including access to food, healthcare, and essential services.
The Parachinar blockade, resulting in preventable deaths of 128+ children, 200+ Adults in these 100+ days of blockade and in these last two years 650+ deaths and 1200+ people were injured , exemplifies gross violations of these articles.

 
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Pakistan, as a signatory, is obligated to uphold:

Article 6: Protection of the inherent right to life.
Article 7: Prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment.
Article 27: Rights of ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities to freely practice their culture, religion, and language.
The systematic targeting of Parachinar’s Shiite population directly contravenes these provisions.

 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

This convention strictly prohibits torture and other inhumane acts:

Documented incidents of mutilation, beheadings, and torture, including the dismemberment of victims, represent flagrant violations of this treaty.
 
Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Doctrine

Endorsed by all UN member states in 2005, R2P obligates the international community to:

Prevent and halt genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Intervene when a state is unwilling or unable to protect its population.
The Pakistani government’s failure to address the ongoing genocide in Parachinar necessitates immediate international action under the R2P framework.

 
Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (United States)

This U.S. legislation provides for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for gross human rights abuses:

Recommendation: Apply sanctions against extremist leaders, state actors complicit in the violence, and facilitators of the Parachinar blockade.
 
2. Regional Legal Frameworks

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter

The SAARC Charter emphasizes:

Promotion of peace and stability within member states.
Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The ongoing violence in Parachinar undermines the Charter’s objectives, warranting regional intervention to restore peace.

 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Charter

The OIC is committed to:

Safeguarding the dignity and rights of Muslim communities worldwide.
Promoting solidarity and cooperation among member states.
The targeted persecution of Parachinar’s Shiite population demands OIC action to mediate and support conflict resolution.

 
3. Domestic Legal Obligations of Pakistan

Constitution of Pakistan

The Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens:

Article 9: The right to life and security of person.
Article 25: Equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
Article 36: Protection of minorities.
The state’s failure to protect Parachinar residents from extremist violence, provide access to essential services, and uphold the rule of law violates these constitutional guarantees.

 
Anti-Terrorism Act (1997)

The Act empowers the government to combat terrorism and prosecute individuals and groups responsible for acts of violence:

Despite the presence of extremist groups like TTP, LeJ, and IS-K, enforcement remains inadequate, perpetuating violence in Parachinar.
 
Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR)

Historically governing tribal areas, the FCR has:

Excluded the region from national development and governance initiatives.
Perpetuated systemic neglect and lack of representation, leaving Parachinar vulnerable to extremist exploitation.
 
4. Key Human Rights Violations

Genocide and Sectarian Violence:
Approximately Over 650+ lives lost in the past two years due to targeted killings and clashes and 1200+ injured.
Blockade as Collective Punishment:
The ongoing blockade deprives 850,000 residents of access to food, healthcare, and basic supplies.
Torture and Inhumane Acts:
Documented incidents of beheadings, mutilations, and other atrocities highlight egregious human rights abuses.
 
5. Urgency for International Intervention

Recommendations:

1.     Invoke R2P to Prevent Further Atrocities:

o    Mobilize international peacekeeping forces to secure Parachinar and its roads.

2.     Demand Transparency:

o    Investigate and retrieve suppressed treaties, including the Colonial-Era Treaty, to resolve land disputes fueling violence.

3.     Apply Legal Accountability:

o    Utilize the Global Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions on perpetrators and complicit officials.

4.     Leverage Regional Mechanisms:

o    Engage SAARC and OIC to mediate peace agreements and support reconstruction efforts.

 
"Life-Saving Initiative: Fundraising for a Bulletproof Helicopter and bulletproof Ambulances to Aid Parachinar"

"In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, we are raising funds on Givealittle.com through the profile of Tree of Humanity For All (TOHFA). The prolonged blockade of the Thall-Parachinar Road has cut off essential supplies, medicines, oxygen, and food, etc resulting in the tragic loss of over 128+ children and 200+ adults. With more lives at risk every day, a bulletproof helicopter and Bulletproof Ambulances is critical to delivering aid and evacuating critically ill individuals to safety. This initiative aims to save lives and provide hope to a community struggling for survival. Your support can be the difference between life and death for many innocent souls."

 

Demands

1.    Implementation of Historical and Contemporary Treaties:

a.    Recover and enforce the Colonial-Era Treaty signed during British rule, which was designed to mediate and resolve land disputes in the region. The disappearance and lack of enforcement of this treaty have fuelled ongoing conflicts and must be addressed immediately under international observation.

b.    Implement the Murree Treaty of 2008, which was agreed upon by tribal leaders and government representatives to resolve land disputes, reopen roads, and ensure compensation for displaced families. This treaty has remained unimplemented for over a decade, undermining trust and perpetuating violence.

2.    Immediate Humanitarian Intervention:

a.    Open the Thall-Parachinar Road under international supervision to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies.

b.    Establish emergency humanitarian corridors to prevent further loss of life.

c.      

3.    International Investigation and Accountability:

a.    Conduct an independent investigation into the targeted violence, including the Teri Mangal School Massacre and convoy ambushes.

b.    Hold perpetrators accountable under international laws, including prosecution for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

4.    Reinstatement of Local Security Forces:

a.    Reinstate the Kurram Malatia, a locally composed security force, to ensure effective border security and peacekeeping within the region.

b.    Ensure the national army focuses on securing borders rather than occupying local territories.

5.    Protection of Civilians:

a.    Deploy international peacekeeping forces to protect civilians and prevent further violence in Parachinar.

b.    Remove the forced convoy system, allowing for safe, independent travel across the region.

6.    Justice for Victims:

a.    Prosecute individuals and groups responsible for violence and genocide under domestic and international legal frameworks.

b.    Provide reparations and compensation to victims and their families. 

7.    Support for Education and Healthcare:

a.    Rebuild and secure educational institutions, ensuring the safety of educators and students.

b.    Upgrade healthcare facilities in Parachinar and ensure access to critical medical aid for all residents.

8.    Economic Rehabilitation:

a.    Provide financial support for rebuilding local businesses and infrastructure destroyed in attacks.

b.    Ensure trade routes are accessible and fair, particularly for local farmers.

9.    Promotion of Sectarian Unity:

a.    Launch initiatives to foster unity between Shia and Sunni communities.

b.    Strengthen laws against hate speech and sectarian propaganda.

10. Media Freedom and Awareness:

a.    Lift media restrictions to allow unbiased reporting on the Parachinar crisis.

b.    Encourage international media and human rights organizations to document and report on the humanitarian situation.

11. State Accountability:

a.    Pressure the Pakistani government to fulfil its obligations to protect citizens and secure Parachinar’s borders.

b.    Investigate allegations of state complicity and negligence in addressing the crisis.

12. International Legal Action:

a.    Apply sanctions against individuals and entities complicit in the violence, using frameworks like the Global Magnitsky Act.

b.    Engage with international legal bodies, including the United Nations, to enforce peace and justice.

13. Recognition of Genocide:

a.    Formally recognize the systemic targeting of the Shia community in Parachinar as genocide under international law.

b.    Commit to preventing further genocidal acts through global cooperation.

 

Conclusion

The crisis in Parachinar represents not only a grave humanitarian catastrophe but also a failure of governance, justice, and accountability on multiple levels. The people of Parachinar, irrespective of sect or community, have endured unimaginable suffering due to systemic neglect, unresolved land disputes, and targeted violence. Despite their resilience and calls for peace, their cries for justice have been met with silence.

This petition is a call to action for the global community, international institutions, and human rights organizations to intervene decisively. The world cannot afford to stand idly by while innocent lives are lost and an entire region faces annihilation. We demand immediate humanitarian aid, enforcement of treaties, restoration of local security forces, and accountability for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

Parachinar's people do not seek vengeance—they seek peace, justice, and the right to live with dignity. Let this moment mark the beginning of meaningful change and international solidarity. Together, we can ensure that Parachinar is not remembered as a forgotten tragedy but as a testament to the power of humanity to overcome division and suffering.

 

avatar of the starter
Zuhaib Abbas BangashPetition starterZuhaib Abbas Bangash is a Pakistani-born entrepreneur and philanthropist based in New Zealand. Founder of Glen Eden Kebab and the charity TOHFA, he is dedicated to supporting those in need and fostering community resilience.

30

The issue

Petition Addressing Genocide and Human Rights Violations in Parachinar, District Kurrum, Pakistan

To:

The International Court of Justice (ICJ),
United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
International Criminal Court (ICC)
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
United States State Department
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR)
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)
Save the Children
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRC)
UN Women
The Commonwealth Secretariat
Australian Human Rights Commission
Global Justice Center (GJC)
The Elders (Global Leaders Advocacy Group)
Refugees International
Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) 
World Health Organization (WHO) 
Relief International  
International Rescue Committee (IRC)  
Child Rights International Network (CRIN)  
Plan International  
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Office of the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide  
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)  
Arab Human Rights Committee (Charter Committee)  
Islamic Relief Worldwide  
World Council of Churches (WCC)  
Minority Rights Group International (MRG)
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
Human Rights First  
Geneva Call  
 

 

Subject: Urgent Intervention to Address the Genocide and Systemic Human Rights Violations in Parachinar, Kurram District, Pakistan

Introduction

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District in Pakistan, is enduring an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, driven by systemic violence, targeted sectarian attacks, and gross governmental negligence. Over 850,000+ residents have been trapped under a suffocating blockade for more than 100+ days, deprived of essential supplies, including food, medicines, LPG, fuel, oxygen, and other critical resources. Hundreds of lives have already been lost, including at least 128+ children and 200+ adults who succumbed to injuries, starvation, or preventable illnesses and the Total deaths has increased to total 650+ in these two years and leaving 1200+ Injured because of the wars. The region’s dwindling resources will only last another 10 more days, after which the death toll is expected to escalate exponentially unless immediate action is taken.

This suffering is exacerbated by extremist groups, including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K), Al-Qaeda, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These groups exploit unresolved land disputes to justify their relentless violence against Shia, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh populations.

This is nothing else but an unimaginable genocide targeting the Shia community. It is not new—Parachinar has a history of horrifying attacks so gruesome and relentless that they defy comprehension, leaving generations scarred and communities devastated.

Key Incidents: A Glimpse into the Atrocities

November 21, 2024, Convoy Ambush: 
May 4, 2023, Teri Mangal School Massacre: 
December 22, 2024, Genocide Incident, Ishaq Hussain and Wasim Abbas killed:
Wahab Hussain Incident:
Attack on Lady Doctor and Her Father on January 7th 2024: 
2007-2011 Blockade and War 
1996 School Blackboards Incident:
2017 Twin Bombings:


Unresolved land disputes have further fuelled tensions. The Colonial era Treaty and Murree Accord, signed in 2008 by tribal elders from both Sunni and Shia communities to address these disputes, remains unimplemented, allowing extremist groups to exploit these issues to justify violence.

In response to the escalating violence and governmental inaction, 200,000+ of Parachinar residents embarked on a historic peace march from Parachinar to Peshawar in early November 2024. This peaceful demonstration aimed to demand security, justice, and the reopening of the Thall-Parachinar Road, emphasizing the community's desire for peace over conflict.

Despite the gravity of the crisis, the Pakistani government has failed to act decisively. The Thall-Parachinar Road, under state control, remains unsecured, enabling repeated ambushes. Historical agreements, such as the Murree Accord, which was designed to resolve disputes and foster peace, have been ignored.

Under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan enjoyed relative stability, reduced conflict, and stronger communal unity across Pashtun, Balochi, and Kashmiri populations. However, his removal and subsequent imprisonment have left a power vacuum that has allowed corruption and sectarian divisions to flourish unchecked, plunging Parachinar and other regions into chaos.

This petition calls for urgent international intervention to alleviate the suffering in Parachinar, ensure accountability for those responsible, and secure justice for the victims of these atrocities. The time to act is now—before Parachinar becomes a forgotten graveyard of unheeded cries and shattered lives.

Background History

The Forgotten Genocide of Parachinar: 130 Years of Oppression and Resilience

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District in Pakistan, is not just enduring a crisis—it is living through a harrowing chapter of a 130-year-long genocide. Its strategic location, bordering Afghanistan and situated on the historic Silk Road, has turned this land into a battleground for geopolitical interests and sectarian violence. Over generations, the resilient people of Parachinar—primarily the Shia community—have faced relentless violence, blockades, and neglect. What is happening now is not new; it is a continuation of over a century of systemic oppression and targeted extermination.

Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District, is a region steeped in history but marred by persistent conflict, systemic neglect, and unimaginable atrocities. Over the past two years, more than 640+ lives have been lost due to sectarian violence, targeted killings, and state inaction. This violence is rooted in unresolved land disputes, historical neglect, and exploitation by extremist groups, leaving the 850,000 residents of the region in a state of perpetual crisis.

Geopolitical and Strategic Importance

Parachinar’s proximity to Afghanistan—bordered by Nangarhar, Khost, and Pakhtia provinces, with Kabul only 90 kilometres away—makes it a strategically significant location for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, this strategic importance has rendered Parachinar vulnerable to sectarian conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and terrorist activities.

A History of Betrayal and Neglect

The roots of Parachinar’s suffering can be traced back to the British colonial era, when the region was treated as a buffer zone rather than being integrated politically or economically. Agreements like the Murree Accord, signed to resolve land disputes, remain unimplemented, leaving these disputes to fester and fuel violence. Additionally, the Durand Line Treaty (1893) fractured tribal territories, creating tensions between Afghan and Pakistani tribal populations.

After Pakistan's independence, the region remained under the control of political agents through the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), a system widely criticized for its draconian measures. Even after its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, the Kurram District has seen limited development, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation.

Rise of Extremist Groups

Over the years, Parachinar has become a hotspot for extremist activities. Terrorist groups operating in the region include:

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP): Operating from Afghanistan, the TTP targets Shia populations, with financial backing from Gulf donors.
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ): Funded by Saudi Wahhabi networks, this group has carried out some of the most brutal anti-Shia massacres.
Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K): Utilizes sanctuaries in Afghanistan to launch attacks on Pakistani Shia communities.
Al-Qaeda: Historically linked with the TTP, spreading extremist ideologies and targeting minority groups.
Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP): A Sunni extremist group responsible for inciting sectarian violence.
Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP): Politically aligned with anti-Shia rhetoric, exacerbating sectarian divides.

Haqqani Network: While often involved in facilitating strategic agreements in Kurram, the Haqqani Network has exacerbated local sectarian tensions, further destabilizing the region. Their influence has been instrumental in controlling key supply routes in the district.
These groups exploit unresolved land disputes and sectarian divides to justify their actions. The unimplemented Murree Accord, meant to address land disputes, has become a focal point for manipulation by extremist factions.

Notable Attacks and Unimaginable Atrocities

The people of Parachinar have suffered countless attacks, each more brutal than the last. Here is a glimpse of these atrocities:

2007-2011 Blockade and War: The Thall-Parachinar Road, the lifeline for the region, was blocked for four years, forcing the population into isolation. Over 13,000 lives were lost, and hundreds of villages were burned during this period. While Afghanistan provided limited goods at the time, the current Taliban regime has cut off all external aid.
November 21, 2024, Convoy Ambush: Militants ambushed a convoy of 100 vehicles on the Thall-Parachinar Road. Gunfire rained down for 45 minutes, killing over 52 people, including seven women and a six-month-old child who was shot in the mouth. Critically injured victims later died due to a lack of medical supplies.
December 22, 2024, Genocide Incident: Ishaq Hussain and Wasim Abbas, who paid for safe passage, were handed over to terrorists and brutally killed. One victim was beheaded and mutilated into 19 pieces.
·         May 4, 2023, Teri Mangal School Massacre: Seven educators, sent to a Sunni-majority area to foster unity, were brutally killed in a horrific ambush. The perpetrators filmed the atrocity, spreading fear across the region.

·         Despite the provocation, the Shia community responded with peaceful protests, demanding justice and rejecting retaliation. They appealed to the government and international bodies, but the perpetrators remain free, and security measures for educators are still lacking.

·         This tragedy highlights both the resilience of the Shia community and the failure of authorities to address the escalating violence in Parachinar.

 

Wahab Hussain Incident: Returning home after seven years abroad, Wahab Hussain was ambushed and killed on his way to Parachinar.
 

2017 Sectarian Siege and Massacre: Over 300 Shia Muslims were killed during a prolonged siege by extremist groups.
Impact: Thousands were displaced, and the lack of international attention allowed violence to escalate.

2017 Twin Bombings: Two separate bombings targeting Shia communities killed 75 people and injured over 300 in Parachinar. 
Attack on Lady Doctor and Her Father: On January 7th, Najaf Ali and his daughter, Dr. Ruqayah Najaf, were ambushed while traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. Dr. Ruqayah, who was set to join Khyber Medical University as an assistant professor, tragically lost her life in the attack, while their driver was killed instantly. Najaf Ali survived with five bullet wounds but was left to endure the devastating loss of his daughter. This harrowing incident underscores the dire security conditions and the human toll of ongoing violence in the region. 
 

Disruption of Funeral Processions: Attacks on Shia funeral gatherings have been a repeated tactic to spread fear, with militants targeting mourners to inflict maximum emotional and physical damage.

Example: A bomb explosion during a funeral procession in 2016 killed over 30 people.
 

Peace March

The 7 November 2024 Peace March

In a remarkable act of resilience, over 200,000 people from Parachinar participated in a peace march to Peshawar. Barehanded and united, they walked to protest against the violence imposed on them, demanding justice and peace. This march exemplifies the community’s commitment to non-violence, even in the face of relentless oppression.

A Region on the Brink

Today, Parachinar faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The Thall-Parachinar Road has been blocked for over 100+ days, cutting off essential supplies of food, medicines, LPG, and fuel. The situation is critical:

  • 128+ children, including newborns, have died due to lack of medical care.
  • 30+ women and girls, including an 18-year-old cancer patient, succumbed because they couldn’t access treatment.
  • 170+ men, many injured in attacks, later died due to the unavailability of medicines and medical supplies.
    Allegations of State Complicity

A pressing question looms: How can Afghan terrorists and other organizations target Parachinar without the knowledge of Pakistan’s agencies? Allegations of state complicity and negligence are further compounded by the media blackout, which hides the true scale of the atrocities.

Urgency of the Crisis

Parachinar’s 850,000 residents are now living in a virtual prison. With supplies dwindling, the population cannot survive more than 7-10 days without immediate intervention. This is not merely a conflict—it is a genocide, targeting the Shia community with unimaginable brutality.

 

Land Dispute Problems: A Manufactured Excuse for War

The land disputes in Parachinar and the broader Kurram District have been manipulated as a pretext for violence, particularly by extremist groups and complicit leadership. While these disputes stem from historical grievances, their resolution has been deliberately ignored, perpetuating sectarian strife and destabilization. Despite multiple treaties and agreements aimed at resolving these issues, the Pakistani government’s inaction and hidden agendas have left the region in perpetual turmoil.

 
Historical Context of Land Disputes

Colonial-Era Treaty

Purpose: Drafted during British rule to mediate disputes, delineate boundaries, and foster peace through defined protocols and tribal councils (jirgas).
Impact: Designed to prevent land disputes from escalating into violence by balancing tribal rights and ownership.
Current Status: The treaty has disappeared from official records, raising suspicions of deliberate suppression. Its absence leaves the region without a reliable framework for resolving disputes, empowering extremist groups to exploit this vacuum.
Murree Agreement (2008)

Objective: Signed by tribal leaders and government representatives, the agreement aimed to:
Resolve disputes through compensation and conflict resolution.
Reopen roads to ensure essential supplies reached the region.
Facilitate the return of displaced families.
Outcome: The agreement remains unimplemented, leading to widespread mistrust and escalating violence.
Durand Line Agreement (1893)

Relevance: Though not directly tied to Parachinar, the fracturing of traditional tribal lands exacerbated regional tensions, creating jurisdictional ambiguities that still haunt the area.
 
 

 

Exploitation by Extremists

Groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K), and others have weaponized land disputes to justify violence. These groups claim to protect "lost lands" for Sunni tribes, while in reality:

They displace thousands of Shiite residents.
Exploit the government’s failure to implement treaties.
Use propaganda to recruit and incite violence.
 
Betrayal by Local Leadership

Collusion with Extremist Groups

Certain tribal leaders in Parachinar have aligned themselves with extremist groups, prioritizing personal gain over community welfare. Evidence suggests these leaders:

Collaborate with groups like the Taliban to facilitate their operations.
Exploit the chaos of land disputes to consolidate power and control.
Use these disputes as a smokescreen to hide dealings with extremists.
Jirga Decisions and Government Profiteering

The Pashtun jirga system, an institution of tribal conflict resolution, has been reduced to a tool of financial exploitation:

Massive fines, often in crores of rupees, are imposed but never lead to lasting peace.
For example, a recent jirga imposed a fine of Rs. 14 crores, yet violence erupted shortly after.
These fines enrich the government while ignoring the human cost of continued conflict.
 
Betrayal of Provincial Leadership

The Corps Commanders of KPK  

·         The Corps Commanders of KPK, particularly in Kurram District, stand accused of covert involvement in perpetuating conflicts for personal and institutional gain. Allegations suggest they have fueled sectarian tensions and facilitated extremist activities, turning the region into a war zone. By manipulating jirgas, ignoring treaties like the Murree Accord, and prioritizing their financial and strategic interests over peace, they have profited from the ongoing violence. Their actions have reportedly included collusion with extremist groups, allowing them free rein while exploiting the chaos to exert control and earn illicit revenues. This betrayal has left the people of Kurram District feeling abandoned and further endangered.

 

Ali Amin Gandapur

As Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he has failed to act decisively to address the Parachinar crisis and continuously ignoring the situation as nothing has happened.
His betrayal extends beyond Parachinar, as his leadership also failed Imran Khan.
Protests called by Khan, including the Islamabad protest that ended in a massacre, were left incomplete under Gandapur’s oversight.
Despite his authority, Gandapur has done little to ensure peace, reopen blockades, or prevent the genocide in Parachinar.
There have been some accusations of him working with the Taliban and also paying them ?% of Tax of KPK.


Barrister Muhammad Ali Khan Saif

Muhammad Ali Khan Saif’s public denial of the Parachinar genocide has drawn widespread condemnation:
He falsely claimed there was no violence, no deaths, and no blockade.
These statements, exposed as lies, reveal either complicity or wilful ignorance.
 On one hand, he officially denies the number of civilian and child deaths, and on the other, he calls for an operation to disarm the people of Parachinar. These weapons, originally provided by the British, were meant for self-defence against terrorists and the TTP (Taliban), as Parachinar is a tribal border area surrounded on three sides by Afghanistan. His demands are based on false assurances, despite the government’s proven inability to secure even the main roads.
 
Impacts on the Shiite Community

The ongoing violence and neglect have devastated the Shiite community, leaving it on the brink of collapse.

Psychological Trauma

Children grow up amidst daily horrors of violence and death.
Families mourn lost loved ones without justice, compounding grief with hopelessness.
Economic Collapse

Blockades cripple local businesses, cutting off trade and livelihoods.
Farmers face massive losses as produce rots unsold, pushing families into poverty.
Educational Crisis

Teachers are targeted, as seen in the Teri Mangal school massacre, deterring educators from serving the region.
Schools remain underfunded and understaffed, leaving children without access to quality education.
Healthcare Deficiencies

Blockades prevent critically ill patients from accessing medical care, leading to preventable deaths.
Women, children, and the elderly bear the brunt of the crisis.
An 18-year-old girl died of cancer because road blockades prevented her from receiving timely treatment.
Displacement and Refugee Burden

Thousands flee their homes to escape violence, abandoning ancestral lands and livelihoods.
Families are fragmented, and the cultural fabric of the community is eroding.
 

Statement as Chairperson of Tree of Humanity for All (TOHFA):

I Zuhaib Abbas Bangash was born in Parachinar Pakistan April 1986 in Shia Muslim Community I also faced persecution and torture in my life when I was in Pakistan Parachinar Tribal Area Kurram District KPK Pakistan, I Moved to New Zealand in 2013 and now I am Citizen of New Zealand, but I know all the background behind the genocide of Shia Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan especially in Parachinar, 

I as the Chairperson of Tree Of Humanity for All (TOHFA) request to all above stated International Institutions please help our Shia Community and other religions in Parachinar, every day our people are dying, As Government of Pakistan is fail to protect our Shia Community and other religions in Pakistan I would request as per following legal framework, please help Parachinar people to live their life’s without fear of genocide and killing. 

Your support in this matter will save thousands of lives.  

 

Legal Framework: Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis in Parachinar

Legal Framework: Upholding Justice and Protecting Human Rights in Parachinar

The ongoing crisis in Parachinar constitutes a grave violation of numerous international, regional, and domestic legal frameworks. The following section details the applicable laws and conventions being breached, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and intervention.

 
1. International Legal Obligations

Geneva Conventions (1949) and Additional Protocols

The Geneva Conventions, ratified by Pakistan, provide comprehensive safeguards for civilian populations during armed conflict:

Common Article 3 prohibits:
Violence against life and person, including murder, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture.
Hostage-taking and acts intended to spread terror among civilians.
Additional Protocol II mandates:
Protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, from indiscriminate violence.
Unhindered access to humanitarian relief, a provision directly violated by the 100+ day blockade on the Thall-Parachinar road.
The systemic targeting of civilians and deprivation of basic necessities are in direct contravention of these principles.

 
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948)

As a member state of the United Nations, Pakistan is bound by the UDHR, which enshrines fundamental rights, including:

Article 3: The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
Article 5: Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 25: The right to an adequate standard of living, including access to food, healthcare, and essential services.
The Parachinar blockade, resulting in preventable deaths of 128+ children, 200+ Adults in these 100+ days of blockade and in these last two years 650+ deaths and 1200+ people were injured , exemplifies gross violations of these articles.

 
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Pakistan, as a signatory, is obligated to uphold:

Article 6: Protection of the inherent right to life.
Article 7: Prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment.
Article 27: Rights of ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities to freely practice their culture, religion, and language.
The systematic targeting of Parachinar’s Shiite population directly contravenes these provisions.

 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

This convention strictly prohibits torture and other inhumane acts:

Documented incidents of mutilation, beheadings, and torture, including the dismemberment of victims, represent flagrant violations of this treaty.
 
Responsibility to Protect (R2P) Doctrine

Endorsed by all UN member states in 2005, R2P obligates the international community to:

Prevent and halt genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Intervene when a state is unwilling or unable to protect its population.
The Pakistani government’s failure to address the ongoing genocide in Parachinar necessitates immediate international action under the R2P framework.

 
Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (United States)

This U.S. legislation provides for targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for gross human rights abuses:

Recommendation: Apply sanctions against extremist leaders, state actors complicit in the violence, and facilitators of the Parachinar blockade.
 
2. Regional Legal Frameworks

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter

The SAARC Charter emphasizes:

Promotion of peace and stability within member states.
Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The ongoing violence in Parachinar undermines the Charter’s objectives, warranting regional intervention to restore peace.

 
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Charter

The OIC is committed to:

Safeguarding the dignity and rights of Muslim communities worldwide.
Promoting solidarity and cooperation among member states.
The targeted persecution of Parachinar’s Shiite population demands OIC action to mediate and support conflict resolution.

 
3. Domestic Legal Obligations of Pakistan

Constitution of Pakistan

The Constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens:

Article 9: The right to life and security of person.
Article 25: Equality before the law and equal protection of the law.
Article 36: Protection of minorities.
The state’s failure to protect Parachinar residents from extremist violence, provide access to essential services, and uphold the rule of law violates these constitutional guarantees.

 
Anti-Terrorism Act (1997)

The Act empowers the government to combat terrorism and prosecute individuals and groups responsible for acts of violence:

Despite the presence of extremist groups like TTP, LeJ, and IS-K, enforcement remains inadequate, perpetuating violence in Parachinar.
 
Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR)

Historically governing tribal areas, the FCR has:

Excluded the region from national development and governance initiatives.
Perpetuated systemic neglect and lack of representation, leaving Parachinar vulnerable to extremist exploitation.
 
4. Key Human Rights Violations

Genocide and Sectarian Violence:
Approximately Over 650+ lives lost in the past two years due to targeted killings and clashes and 1200+ injured.
Blockade as Collective Punishment:
The ongoing blockade deprives 850,000 residents of access to food, healthcare, and basic supplies.
Torture and Inhumane Acts:
Documented incidents of beheadings, mutilations, and other atrocities highlight egregious human rights abuses.
 
5. Urgency for International Intervention

Recommendations:

1.     Invoke R2P to Prevent Further Atrocities:

o    Mobilize international peacekeeping forces to secure Parachinar and its roads.

2.     Demand Transparency:

o    Investigate and retrieve suppressed treaties, including the Colonial-Era Treaty, to resolve land disputes fueling violence.

3.     Apply Legal Accountability:

o    Utilize the Global Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions on perpetrators and complicit officials.

4.     Leverage Regional Mechanisms:

o    Engage SAARC and OIC to mediate peace agreements and support reconstruction efforts.

 
"Life-Saving Initiative: Fundraising for a Bulletproof Helicopter and bulletproof Ambulances to Aid Parachinar"

"In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, we are raising funds on Givealittle.com through the profile of Tree of Humanity For All (TOHFA). The prolonged blockade of the Thall-Parachinar Road has cut off essential supplies, medicines, oxygen, and food, etc resulting in the tragic loss of over 128+ children and 200+ adults. With more lives at risk every day, a bulletproof helicopter and Bulletproof Ambulances is critical to delivering aid and evacuating critically ill individuals to safety. This initiative aims to save lives and provide hope to a community struggling for survival. Your support can be the difference between life and death for many innocent souls."

 

Demands

1.    Implementation of Historical and Contemporary Treaties:

a.    Recover and enforce the Colonial-Era Treaty signed during British rule, which was designed to mediate and resolve land disputes in the region. The disappearance and lack of enforcement of this treaty have fuelled ongoing conflicts and must be addressed immediately under international observation.

b.    Implement the Murree Treaty of 2008, which was agreed upon by tribal leaders and government representatives to resolve land disputes, reopen roads, and ensure compensation for displaced families. This treaty has remained unimplemented for over a decade, undermining trust and perpetuating violence.

2.    Immediate Humanitarian Intervention:

a.    Open the Thall-Parachinar Road under international supervision to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies.

b.    Establish emergency humanitarian corridors to prevent further loss of life.

c.      

3.    International Investigation and Accountability:

a.    Conduct an independent investigation into the targeted violence, including the Teri Mangal School Massacre and convoy ambushes.

b.    Hold perpetrators accountable under international laws, including prosecution for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

4.    Reinstatement of Local Security Forces:

a.    Reinstate the Kurram Malatia, a locally composed security force, to ensure effective border security and peacekeeping within the region.

b.    Ensure the national army focuses on securing borders rather than occupying local territories.

5.    Protection of Civilians:

a.    Deploy international peacekeeping forces to protect civilians and prevent further violence in Parachinar.

b.    Remove the forced convoy system, allowing for safe, independent travel across the region.

6.    Justice for Victims:

a.    Prosecute individuals and groups responsible for violence and genocide under domestic and international legal frameworks.

b.    Provide reparations and compensation to victims and their families. 

7.    Support for Education and Healthcare:

a.    Rebuild and secure educational institutions, ensuring the safety of educators and students.

b.    Upgrade healthcare facilities in Parachinar and ensure access to critical medical aid for all residents.

8.    Economic Rehabilitation:

a.    Provide financial support for rebuilding local businesses and infrastructure destroyed in attacks.

b.    Ensure trade routes are accessible and fair, particularly for local farmers.

9.    Promotion of Sectarian Unity:

a.    Launch initiatives to foster unity between Shia and Sunni communities.

b.    Strengthen laws against hate speech and sectarian propaganda.

10. Media Freedom and Awareness:

a.    Lift media restrictions to allow unbiased reporting on the Parachinar crisis.

b.    Encourage international media and human rights organizations to document and report on the humanitarian situation.

11. State Accountability:

a.    Pressure the Pakistani government to fulfil its obligations to protect citizens and secure Parachinar’s borders.

b.    Investigate allegations of state complicity and negligence in addressing the crisis.

12. International Legal Action:

a.    Apply sanctions against individuals and entities complicit in the violence, using frameworks like the Global Magnitsky Act.

b.    Engage with international legal bodies, including the United Nations, to enforce peace and justice.

13. Recognition of Genocide:

a.    Formally recognize the systemic targeting of the Shia community in Parachinar as genocide under international law.

b.    Commit to preventing further genocidal acts through global cooperation.

 

Conclusion

The crisis in Parachinar represents not only a grave humanitarian catastrophe but also a failure of governance, justice, and accountability on multiple levels. The people of Parachinar, irrespective of sect or community, have endured unimaginable suffering due to systemic neglect, unresolved land disputes, and targeted violence. Despite their resilience and calls for peace, their cries for justice have been met with silence.

This petition is a call to action for the global community, international institutions, and human rights organizations to intervene decisively. The world cannot afford to stand idly by while innocent lives are lost and an entire region faces annihilation. We demand immediate humanitarian aid, enforcement of treaties, restoration of local security forces, and accountability for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

Parachinar's people do not seek vengeance—they seek peace, justice, and the right to live with dignity. Let this moment mark the beginning of meaningful change and international solidarity. Together, we can ensure that Parachinar is not remembered as a forgotten tragedy but as a testament to the power of humanity to overcome division and suffering.

 

avatar of the starter
Zuhaib Abbas BangashPetition starterZuhaib Abbas Bangash is a Pakistani-born entrepreneur and philanthropist based in New Zealand. Founder of Glen Eden Kebab and the charity TOHFA, he is dedicated to supporting those in need and fostering community resilience.

Supporter voices

Petition updates