Chilas Massacre: 13 Years On, Justice Remains Elusive

Thirteen years after the brutal massacre of Shia passengers in Chilas, Pakistan, on April 3, 2012, victims’ families still await justice, highlighting a systemic failure to address sectarian violence.

On that day, armed assailants stopped buses, singled out Shia passengers, and executed them. Dozens were stoned to death, despite the presence of state institutions. The victims were identified using state-issued identity cards, underscoring the state’s responsibility. Despite clear evidence and identification, no perpetrators have been brought to justice.

The incident occurred within a climate of rising sectarian tensions, where targeted killings of Shia Muslims were becoming increasingly frequent. The lack of accountability following the Chilas tragedy has fueled further unrest and distrust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

Community leaders assert that the inaction emboldens armed groups, which continue to operate in the region, posing a persistent threat to peace and stability. They call for decisive state action against “Takfiri terrorists” and their facilitators, emphasizing that lasting peace hinges on their complete elimination.

The victims’ families, after 13 years, express deep frustration with the lack of progress, citing empty promises and a failure to implement concrete measures. The unresolved case raises critical questions about the state’s commitment to justice and its ability to safeguard vulnerable communities. The recurring targeting of the Shia community without effective state intervention raises serious concerns about the state’s ability to provide security to all its citizens.