At least 40 people have been killed and more than 70 wounded in clashes
between Sunni and Shia Muslims in north-western Pakistan, a senior security
official said.
The state-run Pakistan Television quoted Arbab Muhammad Arif, Secretary
Security Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), as confirming the
casualties.
Fighting erupted after gunmen fired on Shias in Parachinar, about 290 km west
of Peshawar, in North West Frontier province.
Authorities on Friday imposed a curfew on the town and sent troops to restore
order.
The army, backed by cobra helicopters, has now taken full control of the city
and the firing has also been stopped, local administrator Sahibzada Muhammad
Anees said earlier Saturday.
He said that two helicopters hit positions of both sides from where shots
were being fired.
Tension was brewing since April 1 when a group of people took out a
procession in Parachinar and chanted slogans against their rivals, according to
the private News Network International.
Earlier, Geo television reported that the authorities have issued
shoot-at-sight order if anyone tried to violate curfew.
A delegation of tribal elders reportedly has been sent to the area to broker
a ceasefire.
