Pakistani media news agencies documented new study which confirms that with the elections drawing near, Pakistan is witnessing an escalation of sectarian violence, primarily targeting religious minorities including Shia Muslims.
The recent study conducted by Dr. Zakaria Kareem revealed that “terrorist incidents and ongoing violence affect Shia Muslims, as well as the Ahmadiyya sect and various minorities, including Christians and Sikhs.”
Kareem mentioned that “members within the Islamic parties registered by the Election Commission, who are preparing to participate in the upcoming national elections expected in January, have intensified acts of violence targeting religious minorities, even as Pakistan sees new record numbers in killings and suicide attacks carried out by banned terrorist groups.”
Meanwhile, independent journalist and researcher Muhammad Nafees said: “It is truly unfortunate that sectarian violence has claimed the lives of 168 people this year, including a large number of Shia Muslims, Christians, Ahmadis, Sikhs, and others.”
