The Rising Tide of Anti-Shia Violence in Pakistan: A Call for Tolerance
By: Mohadeseh Amini
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed an alarming rise in sectarian violence targeting the Shia Muslim community. While the country prides itself on its religious diversity, the increasing discrimination and violence against Shia Muslims have raised serious concerns about the future of sectarian harmony and the protection of minority groups in Pakistan.
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Pakistan, home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, is officially an Islamic republic, with both Sunni and Shia Muslims coexisting for centuries. However, sectarian tensions have been steadily growing, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities. The Shia Muslim population in Pakistan makes up around 15-20% of the total population, yet they have become frequent targets of violence, discrimination, and marginalization. Anti-Shia sentiments have increasingly permeated both the social and political landscape, prompting widespread fears for the community’s safety.
The roots of such sectarian violence in Pakistan can be traced back to the 1980s, when the country became a battleground for geopolitical interests during the Soviet-Afghan war when some Shia and Sunni groups in Pakistan engaged in conflicts in the country. The result was the rise of sectarian militancy, particularly from groups such as the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Sahaba, which promote extreme interpretations of Sunni Islam and view Shia Muslims as heretics.
The most prominent incidents of anti-Shia violence have been attacks on Shia pilgrims, processions, and religious gatherings. Bombings, shootings, and targeted killings have become increasingly common, particularly in areas like Quetta, Karachi, and Parachinar.
The 2012 bombing of a Shia Hazara procession in Quetta, which killed over 100 people, and the 2013 attack on a Shia mosque in Rawalpindi, are among the most devastating acts of sectarian violence.
Extremist Sunni groups have been responsible for much of the violence. These groups not only target Shia religious leaders and pilgrims but also promote anti-Shia rhetoric through media, education, and public discourse. The rise of such groups has been fueled by political and economic instability in Pakistan, which has allowed sectarian militancy to flourish unchecked.
The government’s response to these issues has often been criticized for being inadequate. While Pakistan’s military and law enforcement agencies have taken steps to combat militant groups, they have struggled to address the underlying social and political factors that contribute to sectarian violence. Many Shia Muslims feel abandoned by the state, as the perpetrators of violence often go unpunished, and the state fails to provide adequate protection to Shia communities.
For Shia Muslims in Pakistan, daily life is filled with fear and uncertainty. Many Shia neighborhoods and mosques have been subjected to attacks, forcing people to live in constant fear of violence. Shia religious processions, which are an integral part of their religious practice, are often attacked by militants seeking to disrupt their peaceful gatherings. The Hazara community, an ethnic and religious minority within the Shia sect, has been particularly targeted, with hundreds of its members being killed in recent years.
Furthermore, the persecution of Shia Muslims has led to the displacement of many families who flee areas of high violence, seeking refuge in other parts of Pakistan or even abroad. This situation has created a sense of isolation and marginalization, with many Shia Muslims questioning their place in the country they call home.
The rise of anti-Shia violence in Pakistan is a stark reminder of the dangers of sectarianism and religious intolerance. While Pakistan’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, the situation on the ground tells a different story. The increasing violence against Shia Muslims is not only a violation of their human rights but also a threat to the social fabric of the nation.
It is crucial for Pakistan’s government, civil society, and religious leaders to come together and take decisive action to curb sectarian violence. Ensuring justice for the victims of anti-Shia violence, holding perpetrators accountable, and promoting religious tolerance are essential steps toward building a more inclusive and peaceful Pakistan. Only through collective efforts can Pakistan hope to restore the harmony that has historically defined its religious diversity.
