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.

Source: Xinhua