KARACHI: Due to the current situation prevailing in our country, I wish to draw the attention of the government and the people of Pakistan to the evils of terrorists, who continue to kill innocent Shias in Pakistan. At least 320 Shias have been killed in targeted attacks this year across Pakistan, including more than 200 in Balochistan. In two consecutive months this year, bomb blasts have killed hundreds of Shia Hazaras in Quetta, a garrison town where each and every street is manned by intelligence operatives. Still, the militants operate with impunity. The latest bomb blast, which has killed over 80 and injured hundreds, occurred almost within a month of the last bomb blast that resulted in an even higher death toll. Space is fast running out in Shia graveyards in Quetta. The time may have come for Shias to relocate to other countries in order to protect their next generation.
After the heinous attack on Malala Yousufzai and the murder of Shahzeb Khan, people were quick to protest against these crimes. Why is it only now, after decades of anti-Shia violence, that we are seeing protests against these attacks? Why are only Shias disembarked from buses in Gilgit, their NICs checked and shot at point-blank range?
Pakistan belongs to its people and not to the powerful few who rule us. Our rulers simply come and go but we, the people, are here to stay. We want and demand justice as Pakistanis and not as Shias or Sunnis. We want the army to take control of Quetta and Karachi to secure these cities. This is the time to stand up against the Shia genocide and raise our voices against this injustice.
Muhammad Shadman
Published in The Express Tribune, February 21st, 2013.
