Opinion | Stop the Genocide of Shias in Pakistan.

Let us hope and work for a future where all people, regardless of their beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.

In today’s world, everyone has the right to follow their own religion. Whether you are a man or a woman, it should be your personal choice to believe in any faith without fear of being forced or threatened. In Islam, this principle is clearly stated in the Quran with the verse “La ikraha fi din,” which means there is no compulsion in religion. No one should be forced into any belief system, and this should be a universally accepted truth.

However, what we see today in places like Pakistan goes against this basic principle. Sectarian violence, especially the targeted killings of Shia Muslims, has been on the rise, and sadly, the world seems to be silent about it. As a Kashmiri, I understand what it feels like to live in a place where there is conflict, but what is happening to the Shia community in Pakistan is heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The divide between Shias and Sunnis is not new. It goes back centuries, but this difference in beliefs should never be an excuse for violence. In fact, throughout history, every major religion has faced internal differences. There are many sects in Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and even Buddhism. These divisions come from different interpretations of religious texts and beliefs. But rather than fighting and shedding blood, these differences should be discussed and resolved through understanding, respect, and dialogue.

Sadly, in Pakistan, the situation is getting worse. Over the years, many Shia Muslims have been killed in brutal attacks. Between 2001 and 2018, around 5,000 Shias were killed in Pakistan due to sectarian violence. This is not just a number on paper. These were people—innocent men, women, and children—with dreams, hopes, and families. They were brutally killed because of their religious beliefs, targeted by extremist groups like Sipah-e-Sahaba and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. These groups spread hatred and violence in the name of religion, which is completely against the teachings of Islam. The attacks have happened in many parts of Pakistan, especially in cities like Quetta, Karachi, and Parachinar. These areas have seen repeated attacks on Shia communities, where people are killed simply because they are Shia. One of the worst examples of this was the mass killing of Shias in Parachinar, where bomb blasts and suicide attacks have taken the lives of many innocent people over the years. These areas, close to the Afghan border, are often targeted by terrorist groups who operate freely, with no fear of punishment.

Recently, Hojatul Islam Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, a prominent Shia scholar, raised this issue during the 57th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He spoke about how Shias in Pakistan are being persecuted, with many leaders and intellectuals being targeted and killed. He mentioned the assassination of important Shia leaders like Allama Arif Hussaini and Dr. Mohammad Ali Naqvi, who were murdered because of their influence and leadership in the Shia community. These killings are not isolated incidents—they are part of a systematic campaign to silence and eliminate Shia Muslims in Pakistan.

What is happening to the Shia community in Pakistan is not just sectarian violence—it is genocide. This is a form of terrorism, where an entire community is being targeted and wiped out. The world cannot afford to remain silent anymore. If we ignore this, we are allowing the destruction of innocent lives and the spread of hatred. The international community, human rights organizations, and governments around the world need to step in and hold Pakistan accountable for what is happening.

The Pakistani government, unfortunately, has done little to stop this violence. In fact, there are reports that some elements within the government and security forces may even be supporting or turning a blind eye to these extremist groups. Shia Muslims, who make up about 20% of Pakistan’s population, are being treated as second-class citizens, with no protection from the state. Many times, when attacks happen, the government does not take strong action to bring the attackers to justice. This has led to a feeling of hopelessness among the Shia community in Pakistan.

As a Kashmiri, I know the pain of living in conflict. I have seen how violence and hatred can destroy lives and communities. But what is happening to Shias in Pakistan is something the world cannot ignore. This is not just about a religious difference. It is about the right to live, the right to practice one’s faith without fear, and the right to exist as human beings. The Quran teaches us to respect all human life, and it is our duty to stand up against injustice, no matter where it happens.

The killings in Pakistan must stop. The government must take strong action to protect all its citizens, including Shias. Extremist groups must be dismantled, and those responsible for the violence should be brought to justice. The international community must also speak up and put pressure on Pakistan to end this genocide. Shia Muslims, like all people, deserve to live in peace and safety.

The ongoing genocide of Shias in Pakistan is a tragedy that cannot be ignored. We must raise our voices and demand justice for the innocent lives lost. Sectarian violence has no place in any society, and the world must come together to stop this senseless killing. Let us hope and work for a future where all people, regardless of their beliefs, can live in peace and harmony.

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