ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday directed the concerned authorities to regulate the visit of Shia pilgrims to Iran and ensure their protection.
Malik was chairing a high-level meeting which was attended by Federal Secretary Interior, Provincial Home Secretaries and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs). The meeting reviewed the law and order situation in Balochistan, highlighting the incident of firing at a bus in Quetta on October 4.
Chief Secretary and IG Balochistan informed that protection to the pilgrims travelling from Quetta to Iran is already being provided.
They said for the protection of two localities, Mariyabad and Hazara Town, special security measures have been taken and all passenger transport including vans and wagons will be on the roads with armed security guards during movement from one point to other.
All buses will have two armed security guards, while patrolling has been enhanced, they said and added that the section 144 will be imposed with more vigour.
On Tuesday, unidentified men opened fire on a bus and killed 14 Shia Hazaras in the Akhtarabad area of Quetta.
The Shia Ulema Council, Izadari Council, and Majlis Wahdat al Muslimeen announced a three day mourning over the incident.
Security has been beefed up at all entry and exit points of the city.
Four days ago, rallies in Australia, the US, the UK, Austria, Norway, Denmark and Canada marked an international day of protest against the unending wave of attacks on Hazaras in Pakistan. The call has evidently not been heard. Indeed, approximately 250 Hazara citizens of Pakistan have been killed in the past three years.
COMMENTS (11)
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Shia minority in Pakistan is not secure . Pakistan has to be a secular Pakistan. Islamic Republic of Pakistan will be always insecured place for minorities . Only a secular Pakistan can ensure peace in the rgion , Religion has nothing to do with state policy it is a personal afaire .
Instead of going for roots they are trying to plug the leaves, unbelievable approach of our so-called think tank. I don’t know what reason stops them to hunt down these extremist animals? Is there any conspiracy theory behind these atrocities? Government with her administrative machinery seems to be incapable to drive out this bunch of elements and could bring a halt to massacre of innocent civilians. At the moment, terrorists have got upper hand as they are killing at their will, whenever and where ever they want without consideration of suo motu or enquiry committee. The approach of Provincial chief towards these tragic incidents is shocking and deplorable as he commented earlier in a local newspaper that “ With the population of millions, killing of 40 persons does not make a difference in Balochistan”, what a shame.
Following are the ideas, mr malik should consider.
All the security guards must be given "Star wars" costume so that the terrorist will be scared. No girl friends.two police officers is not enough. All Pilgrims should use one authorised route.That route should be divided into rapid reaction zones for police patrols
Also Polie needs to take more preventive action
Malik Sahab, You seem to be the kind of doctor who under pressure will administers medicine to patience who are already dead. Talk is always cheap, when will you have the courage to Walk the Walk. Having the Governer of Boluchistan in coma does not help either. The claim by IG of police that protection is in place is simply unbelievable, Malik Sahab at least please make the people who are responsible for security accountable. This is the least you can do for the nation, who under your watch are being murdered just because of their brliefs
Who is the IG Of police providing the protection to... The murders or to themselves, Two in incidents within 2 weeks, 46 lives lost under your watch, What protection!!!!