2024: A Bloody Year for Shia Muslims in Pakistan
In 2024, Shia Muslims in Pakistan faced a wave of targeted attacks, particularly in areas like Parachinar and Balochistan, from extremist Sunni groups and other terrorist organizations. This year has been one of the bloodiest for Shia communities in the country.
More details in the following report:
Historically subjected to targeted violence from extremist groups, Shia Muslims in Pakistan experienced a significant increase in systematic and deadly attacks in 2024.
On November 21, 2024, one of the deadliest assaults against Shia Muslims occurred when a convoy of Shia pilgrims was ambushed on the route from Parachinar to Peshawar. Reports indicate that 43 Shia individuals were killed, and around 40 others were injured in this attack.
In the aftermath, thousands of Shia protesters organized peaceful demonstrations, demanding immediate government action to identify and punish the perpetrators. However, these protests escalated into violence, leading to clashes between extremist Sunnis and Shia communities in the Kurram region.
Some local Reports indicate that sectarian conflicts in November claimed at least 80 lives and left over 150 injured across various regions, including Parachinar.
The attacks against Shia Muslims in Pakistan have drawn widespread condemnation from religious authorities and international human rights organizations.
The World Shia Rights Watch, affiliated with the World Foundation of Grand Ayatollah Shirazi, issued a statement condemning the attacks and emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence among Muslims. The organization urged the Pakistani government to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and rights of Shia individuals and swiftly identify and punish those responsible for these crimes.
Additionally, the organization called on the international community and human rights organizations to exert pressure on the Pakistani government to help end the violence.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani also condemned the attacks against Shia Muslims in Pakistan, urging the government to implement necessary measures to protect the people from the atrocities of terrorist groups.
International human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the rising sectarian violence in Pakistan and called for the protection of religious minorities.
