Human Right Watch urges Pakistan to protect Shia-Muslims

Expressing concerns over the killings of Shia-Muslims, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday asked the Pakistani government to safeguard the minorities from sectarian attacks in the country.

A press statement was issued by Asia Director at Human Rights Watch Brad Adams. He asked the government to hold accountable those responsible for ordering and participating in deadly attacks targeting Shia.

He observed, “Deadly attacks on Shia communities across Pakistan are escalating. The government’s persistent failure to apprehend attackers or prosecute the extremist groups organizing the attacks suggests that it is indifferent to this carnage”.

The press release said that militant groups such as the apparently banned Lashkar-e Jhangvi (LeJ) have operated with impunity across the country while law enforcement officials have effectively turned a blind eye on attacks against Shias.

In the recent incident, many Hazara Shais including a judge have been killed in Quetta, the metropolis city of Balochistan.

Earlier, armed men ambushed busses carrying Shia-Muslims from Rawalpindi to Gilgit and killed 22 people after pulling them off from their vehicles. Later, a spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the killings.

The HRW claimed in its press statement that some extremist groups are known to be allies of the intelligence agencies.

It said no one has been held culprit for these attacks despite authorities claimed to have arrested dozens of suspects in attacks against Shia-Muslims.

The HRW expressed satisfaction over the arrestment of LeJ leader Malik Ishaq who has been implicated in dozens of killings.

It stated, “The arrest of Malik Ishaq is an important test for Pakistan’s criminal justice system. Sectarian violence won’t end until those responsible are brought to trial and justice”.

Earlier on August 31, Malik Ishaq was arrested by the law enforcement agencies for inciting violence against Shia community. It is vital to mention here that he is accused of some 44 cases, involving murders of some 70 people.

The press release added, “Pakistan’s government cannot play the role of unconcerned bystander as the Shias across Pakistan are slaughtered. Political leaders, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and military need to take this as seriously as they take other security threats to the state”.

The HRW urged the government to make all possible efforts to promptly arrest and prosecute those responsible for recent attacks.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Sep 6 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.