n Kurram, after the long unrest that began last September, Sunni and Shia communities are finally moving towards peace.

In Upper Kurram, ice between the two communities is slowly thawing and life is returning to normal. Both sides are beginning to reconnect through jirgas and sporting events.

Over the past seven months, both sides have suffered significant loss of life and property. A ray of hope came recently in the form of a friendly volleyball match, held on Monday at the Parachinar Sports Complex between Sunnis from Boshehra and Shias from Parachinar. The match marked the waning of tensions between the two sides and a resumption of day-to-day activities.

Boshehra, a village in Upper Kurram, is predominantly Sunni. A land dispute in this area has led to fatal clashes between the two sides.

Given the recent events in Kurram, bringing the Sunnis of Boshehra and the Shias of Parachinar under one roof was a challenging task. Achieved this required considerable negotiation.

Amir Nawaz, the additional deputy commissioner general of Kurram district, who has previously served in South Waziristan, played a key role in this regard. After Eid, he visited both Sunni and Shia communities’ villages and persuaded local elders and the youth to agree to a friendly volleyball match.

Speaking to The News on Sunday, Amir Nawaz said that, after much effort, they were able to bring both sides together to foster better relations. “We are moving toward a peaceful Kurram,” he said.

Nawaz saw both the peace agreement signed over Eid and the volleyball match as positive developments. He hoped that these will soon lead to cooperation in other areas. “We hope this initiative will yield good results in the coming days,” said the official.

He said tensions had reached a peak between the two sides in recent months and engaging the youth was essential for restoring peace. “Sports was the only effective avenue we had. We used it to bring both sides closer.”

Muhammad Usman, aged 35, belongs to Boshehra and is considered one of the best volleyball players in his village.

For the past two years, the situation in Boshehra has remained tense and the playgrounds, deserted. Land disputes and unrest have diverted the youth’s attention away from sports.

“I’m heartbroken. Some of my teammates who had played and trained alongside us have lost their lives in the conflict,” said Usman. “We want to play in Kurram again. We don’t want to lose more teammates.”

For this match, Usman entered the volleyball court after a two-year break. Speaking to TNS, he was overcome with emotion. He said, “It felt like there were no Sunni or Shia in the court. Only Kurramewal (people living in Kurram), playing side by side. I can’t put that moment into words.”

“I’m heartbroken. Some of my teammates who had played and trained alongside us have lost their lives in the conflict,” said Usman. “We want to play in Kurram again. We don’t want to lose more teammates.”

Jamal Hussain, aged 45, is the president of the Kurram Volleyball Association. He has been associated with the sport for decades. He told TNS that everyone was excited about the match.

“In volleyball, there are six players on each side,” Jamal said, “We selected three Sunni and three Shia players for both teams. We did this to foster a strong bond and atmosphere of brotherhood between the two sides. It helped.”

Shias and Sunnis have lived together in Kurram for decades. “We know each other closely. Before the match began, the players embraced one another after a long time and shared jokes and banter. We recalled the old times and former players,” Jamal says.

“Starting these matches with Shia and Sunni players wasn’t easy, but we made it happen. Very soon, we’ll play another friendly match in Boshehra to strengthen ties and eliminate hatred,” exclaimed Jamal Hussain.

Before the friendly volleyball match, free sports kits were distributed among the players. On either side of the net stood Sunni as well as Shia players, competing in a spirited game. It was a heartening scene; players passing the ball to one another, supporting and defending each other in the volleyball court.

The sporting events will continue. In the next phase, matches will be held between Balesh Khel and Khar Kali, Kunj Ali Zai and Maqbil, Tari Mangal and Pewarand Para Chamkani. These are the areas where Sunnis and Shias live side by side.

Only a few months ago, the two sides were entrenched in a violent conflict, causing heavy casualties and financial losses. But now, instead of battlefield confrontations, Sunnis and Shias from these areas will play games in the fields.

“This is a beginning. Next, we will organise volleyball, cricket and traditional Attan dance events in Boshehra, with full participation from both sides,” said Amir Nawaz.

The writer is a multimedia producer. He tweets @daudpasaney