AhlulBayt Islamic Mission - AIM Islam - Militants Trigger Sectarian Violence in Pakistan

Main Menu

Home

News

Opinion

Search

Who's Online

Militants Trigger Sectarian Violence in Pakistan

Sunday, 18 November 2007

Dozens of Shias have been killed after pro-Taliban and al-Qaeda militants attacked a mosque in the Pakistani tribal city of Parachinar.

At least 91 people were killed and wounded in the clashes that erupted in the main town of the Kurram tribal region soon after Friday prayers.

The town reverberated with explosions of mortar shells and rockets.

Paramilitary and Levy forces were deployed in sensitive locations, including places of worship in the town.

Tens of Shia people were also killed after they were abducted and tortured by Taliban militants. The militants shot and killed the victims in cold-blood and left their bodies in the Aravali region.

Some witnesses said the tension erupted after two Sunnis were attacked in Parachinar on Thursday, following which the imam of the city's Shia mosque condemned the attack and called for the punishment of the perpetrators.

Local people said the exact number of dead and wounded could not be ascertained because of the heavy exchange of fire.

Abid Hussain, a leader for Parachinar's Shia community, accused Sunni fighters from nearby towns of starting the violence by firing rockets at their homes and mosques.

"We are only defending ourselves," he said.

Hussain said that dozens from his community had been killed.

Officials in the semi-autonomous tribal region said at least 10 bodies were handed over to their relatives in the Alizai area of the town.

Witnesses said the fighters used heavy weapons including mortars and rocket launchers.

A curfew had been imposed in troubled parts of the town, but reports have suggested that fighting is still taking place.

Most of the ethnic Pashtun tribesmen in Kurram are Shia, although most Pashtuns are Sunni, and in April, about 40 people were killed in the region in an outbreak of sectarian violence.

Pakistan's Shias account for about 25 per cent of the country's 160 million people.

Comments (12)

	1. Written by Afghaan on 19-11-2007 03:44
	It is not true that Pakistan's Shias account for about 15 %, they are between 25-30 % of the whole Population. ------------ It seems political as always, when Pakistan government fails to answer the public demands; they go and inflame Shia-Sunni sectarian conflicts to wash out publics opinion and confused their minds. This time when Musharaf is problems, he is doing the same!

	2. Written by Masood Baloch on 19-11-2007 10:03
	Shias are infidels and must be wiped out like insects.

	3. Written by Rami on 19-11-2007 10:05
	Shias curse sahaba and Ayesha (R.A). They have always betrayed Sunnis on several occassions.

	4. Written by Khalid J. on 19-11-2007 12:58
	This is sad news! These stupid Wahhabis create havoc whenever they go. We have one amongst us here already, Masood. The current political crisis in Pakistan will just serve the interests of those who wish to promote their own perverse interests. Masood, you are not even a Sunni; you are an idiot who looks up to the likes of Yazeed and Mutawakkil. Your pea-sized brain cannot comprehend anything but vain bravado which you go around flaunching in the best interests of Zionists and Americans. Rami, it seems your appreciation of history is very shallow.

	5. Written by Ali on 19-11-2007 17:07
	Reply to Masood Baloch You have always tried to wipe us out, for over 1400 years. This elimination was started by Omar when he attacked Fatima (as), and now the sons of Omar are attacking the sons of Fatima. Shias are all over the world now, and their is nothing you can do about it. We have lived throughout your persecution of us, the tables have turned so get used to seeing us around! Allahume Sali Ala Mohammed, wa Ali Mohammed!

	6. Written by Ali on 19-11-2007 17:10
	Reply to Rami Shias have betrayed you? Hold on a second, who betrayed the Ottomon Empire? Thats right...the Saudi Wahabis/Salafis! Who is currently betraying the Palestinians? Thats right...the Saudi Wahabis/Salafis! Who is currently blowing up civilians all over the world? Thats right...the Saudi Wahabis/Salafis! The list goes on...

	7. Written by Wissam on 19-11-2007 22:13
	Wahabism is an ultra-fascist version of Islam. They actually declare it halal to kill innocent people based on their faith. For an excellent book charting their history and rise see God's Terrorist's - The history of the Wahhabi Cult and the Hidden Roots of Modern Jihad by Charles Allen. It's especially good for those interested in its rise in South-East Asia. God bless.

	8. Written by Husainee on 20-11-2007 12:21
	May Allah(swt) give peace to families who lost their dear ones. If shias are infidels according to some sect why not leave them alone. Why are you killing them. Is this what islam teaches. I fail to believe that how can a muslim kill another muslim just based on ideological differences.

	9. Written by Raza on 23-11-2007 11:05
	If shias can defeat Israeli Army in Labanon than who r these wahabi jerks (Talibaan). They r going to be flushed out from Karam agency.

	10. Written by Raza Hassan on 29-11-2007 18:28
	Peace be upon all the innocent sunnis and shias that lost their lives in this event and throught history

	11. Written by Aftab kazmi on 03-12-2007 19:32
	We are hussani\'s we live up to give our lives thats what we have learn. May allah subhanahu hasten the appearance of our Imam Mahdi (as) the perfect being, so he these wahabis are thrown into hell n justice come to diz world.