The death toll from recent attacks in northwest Pakistan's Kurram district has risen to 43.
The assaults, which targeted Shiite Muslim convoys traveling under police escort, have left the region in turmoil.
Officials confirmed the grim figures as they imposed a curfew and suspended mobile services to curb further unrest.
The attacks occurred in the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghanistan border, an area with a long history of sectarian strife.
Javed Ullah Mehsud, a senior administration official, reported that among the deceased were seven women and three children, with 16 others injured, 11 critically. A senior police officer corroborated these numbers, emphasizing the devastating impact on the community.
In response to the violence, authorities have described the situation as "extremely tense," leading to the closure of the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram and the complete shutdown of the local bazaar.
Residents of Parachinar, the district's main town, have staged sit-in protests, demanding justice and enhanced security measures.
"A curfew has been imposed," stated a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the attacks, attributing them to government inaction. "The frequency of such incidents confirms the failure of the federal and provincial governments to protect the security of ordinary citizens," the HRCP declared in a statement.
Efforts are underway to restore peace through local tribal councils, or jirgas, which have previously mediated ceasefires during outbreaks of violence in July and September.
Officials have expressed condolences and assured the public of their commitment to preventing further escalation by convening tribal leaders for dialogue.
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