Shia Rights Watch Engages with Pakistani Ambassador on Behalf of Shia Muslims in Parachinar and Peshawar
In Washington, DC, Shia Rights Watch’s Executive Director, Mustafa Akhwand, met with Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, to address the ongoing violence affecting Shia Muslims in Parachinar and Peshawar, the organization’s website reported yesterday.
During this meeting, Akhwand presented a formal letter directed to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, outlining critical concerns faced by the Shia community and the urgent need for protective measures.
The discussion centered on the rising violence against Shia Muslims, which has led to considerable loss of life and a widespread sense of insecurity. Akhwand stressed the necessity for immediate actions, including improved security measures, support programs for victims, and acknowledgment of the sectarian nature of these attacks. The ambassador listened carefully to the issues raised and recognized their seriousness.
The letter from Shia Rights Watch included practical recommendations aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of Shia communities. These suggestions encompassed increasing security forces in at-risk areas, ensuring accountability through impartial investigations, reopening vital travel routes, and providing humanitarian assistance to affected families. The letter also highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue between communities to promote coexistence and mutual respect.
“Parachinar and Peshawar are vibrant communities that have endured ongoing challenges. The violence faced is not just a violation of human rights but also contradicts the principles of unity and diversity upon which Pakistan was founded,” stated Mustafa Akhwand. “We urge the government to act quickly and effectively to restore peace in these regions and bring hope back to affected families.”
The meeting also included notable community leaders, such as Faqir Naqvi and Waseem Naqvi from the Imam Ali Center, Maulana Sulaiman Hasan from Imam al-Asr Masjid, and Haider Zaidi from the Muhammadia Center. The delegation collectively emphasized the need for high-level interventions to protect vulnerable populations and called for long-term strategies to tackle the root causes of sectarian violence.
In addition to engaging with the Pakistani government, Shia Rights Watch has reached out to the U.S. administration, urging it to apply diplomatic pressure on Pakistan for meaningful reforms. Shia Rights Watch remains dedicated to advocating for sustainable solutions to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Shia Muslims in Pakistan and beyond.
The ambassador assured the delegation that he would communicate their concerns to key decision-makers in Pakistan and pledged support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
