About the Author(s)
Nosheen Jahan
Author is an environmental activist and writer focusing on conservation and sustainability. A Fellow-ENV Pakistan and UNLEASH Talent, she advocates for climate action, environmental justice, and the rights of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Parachinar-the land of chinar forests, once a thriving hub nestled in the heart of Pakistan’s Kurram Valley, now stands as a haunting testament to the devastating legacy of neglect and genocide, where the roots of chinar trees are nourished by the blood of innocent people. Named after the majestic chinar tree, with its sprawling roots and grand branches, Parachinar was once a symbol of resilience and strength, reflecting the town’s rich cultural heritage and history. It was a haven of natural beauty, with the gentle Kurram River, snow-capped mountains, lush green chinar forests, and vibrant wildflowers that bloom in every corner. Its rich history dates back to the ancient Silk Road, shaped by various civilizations. However, this once peaceful town has become a battleground, where the Shia community endures relentless genocides.
The Kurram Valley, once a symbol of serenity and natural beauty, now echoes with gunfire and explosions. The sky, once bright with galaxies, is now tainted with missiles and rockets fired from the mountains surrounding the Parachinar. The blood of the innocent stains the mountainsides, where flowers once bloomed, and the once-pristine rivers now flow with blood. The natural beauty of Parachinar is now overshadowed by the stench of death and destruction. The city’s infrastructure lies in ruins, with homes, mosques, and markets reduced to rubble. The people of Parachinar live in constant fear, never knowing when the next attack will come.
The story of Parachinar is one of tragedy and neglect. Despite its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, the town has been left to bleed and fend for itself against extremist forces. It has been ravaged by sectarian violence, political apathy, and systematic marginalization. Its location, nestled near the Afghan border, has made it a hotbed of militant activity. The Shia community has faced persecution and violence since the country’s inception, however, the systematic target killing of Shias began in the 1980s during General Zia’s regime, backed by the US and Saudi Arabia, aimed to spread extremism and suppress Shia dissent. The first major incident occurred in 1986 when Sunni militants attacked Shia villages, killing hundreds. Since then, Parachinar has witnessed numerous massacres, bombings, and targeted killings, including the 2007 targeted killing, when Sunni Taliban attempted to conquer Parachinar, and more than 3,000 people died. The 2017 market bombing that killed 26 and 87 injured, and the bombing on mosque, killed 22 Shias worshipers and wounded dozens.
The Pakistani government’s response to these atrocities has been woefully inadequate. Despite repeated promises to protect Shias, the government has failed to take concrete actions against perpetrators, instead blaming “unknown” attackers or “foreign” agents. This lack of accountability has emboldened extremist groups perpetuating the cycle of violence. The recent incident on July 24, 2024, is a stark reminder of the government’s inaction, the attack was carried out by Sunni extremists, who targeted and killed 50 people and 200 injured in six days. The government’s response was predictable condemnation, promises of investigation, and compensation for the victims’ families. However, the Shias of Parachinar are not looking for mere condolences; they demand justice, protection, and an end to genocide.
The international community’s silence on the Shia genocide in Pakistan is deafening. The world cannot ignore the screams of the oppressed in Parachinar. It’s time for the government to take responsibility for its inaction, the international community must also play its part in pressuring Pakistan to take concrete actions against the Shia genocide. The Shias of Parachinar demand justice and it is time for the world to listen.
Chinar’s Silent Bloodshed, is a call to action for both local authorities and international community. As a citizen of Pakistan, we cannot afford to turn a blind eyes to the suffering in Parachinar. It is imperative that the global community intensify efforts to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that the cries for justice are met. The mountains of Parachinar must be freed from the echoes of violence, allowing its people to reclaim their right to peace and security.
