Pakistani Shia ulema demanded Security for mourning processions

 

Chief of the board Agha Hamid Ali Moosavi said at a meeting of its office-bearers here on Saturday that Shia people would not accept any ban on Azadari (mourning for martyrs of Karbala) because it was an integral part of their faith on which no compromise could be made. A press release issued by the board quoted Mr Moosavi as saying the followers of Jafria school of thought neither tried to impose their beliefs on others nor would they allow anyone to impose their beliefs on them.

The Central Muharram Committee Azadari Cell of the Tehreek Nifaz Fiqh Jafaria has said the Chehlum processions would be taken out as per schedule and asked the authorities to provide security to them.

It said the processions were not against any person, rather they represented “a universal protest against Pharaohs and Yazids of every era”. 

By: Mohammed On 12/08/2013 03:07:00 pm

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Millions of Shia Muslims to protest against Shia killings on Friday

 ISLAMABAD - The Shia Ulema Council on Wednesday gave a call for staging rallies on Friday against the Shia genocide.

Addressing a news conference at the National Press Club, Shia Ulema Council Central General Secretary Allama Ashfaq Wahidi criticised law enforcement agencies for their failure in foiling the Dera Ismail Khan jailbreak. He said that hundreds of terrorists remained in the city for 2-3 hours but security forces kept their eyes closed.

He said the terrorists killed five Shia prisoners and used sophisticated weaponry; however, the law enforcement agencies avoided intercepting them, despite their presence in the city for hours.

He criticised the worst law and order situation across the country, adding that the terrorists remained in the city for at least three hours and administration and security forces came into action after four hours.

Wahidi also lashed at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for the failure to foil the terrorist attack. “Is this the change the KP government promised during the elections?”

He also questioned that how come it became possible that terrorists gathered around 150 men from various areas, and reached DI Khan Jail passing all check posts and latter on escaping safely.

Wahidi demanded that the KP chief minister unfold the conspiracy behind the attack. “The nation demands answer of its questions now,” He urged.

The Shia leader also came hard on the prime minister, saying that Nawaz Sharif had lost his government’s writ in his initial days, despite his promises to control and eradicate terrorism.
He was of the view that during the first 50 days of the Nawaz Sharif regime, the terrorists had already conducted their 55 acts of terrorism.

“How many targeted operations have been conducted by the government against the terrorists,” Wahidi questioned, adding that how many terrorist networks have been busted under the current regime.

Addressing the rulers of the country as well as the chiefs of the security agencies, he maintained that it was not a wave of sectarianism, but a few terrorists backed by hidden hands were committing the terrorism.

The Shia leaders announced that on Friday all Shia organisations and their Sunni allies would take out protest rallies across the country.

Elaborating further he mentioned that during the rallies of Yaum al-Quds the protest demonstrations would be staged against Shia genocide, target killings and Suicide bombings. - 

Source- ABNA

By: Mohammed On 8/02/2013 04:56:00 am

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Pakistanis stage demo in Karachi over desecration of Syria’s holy site

People have taken to the streets of Pakistani city of Karachi to protest against terror attacks by foreign-backed militants against the shrine of Hazrat Zaynab (AS) in Syria.

The rally was staged by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen's women wing in the country’s largest city on Tuesday. 

The shrine is located 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of the capital. Hazrat Zaynab (AS) is the daughter of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali (PBUH), and Hazrat Fatimah (PBUH) -- Prophet Muhammad's daughter. 

The demonstrators chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, accusing them of sowing discord among Muslims. 

On Monday, similar protests were held in the cities of Islamabad and Quetta. 

On Saturday, the foreign-backed Takfiri militants fired mortar rounds at the shrine, which is located near capital Damascus. 

In May, foreign-sponsored militants desecrated the shrine of Hujr ibn Adi -- a close companion (sahaba) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a staunch supporter of Imam Ali (PBUH) -- in a northeastern suburb of Damascus, exhumed his body, and took it to an unknown location. 

The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence. 

The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals. 

Damascus says the West and its regional allies, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, are supporting the militants. 

In an interview broadcast on Turkish television in April, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that if the militants take power in Syria, they could destabilize the entire Middle East region for decades. 

“If the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country, or if the terrorist forces take control… the situation will inevitably spill over into neighboring countries and create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he stated. 

By: Admin On 7/24/2013 02:17:00 pm

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Thousands of Shia scholars, Activists protest against Peshawar Shia killings

The Shia Ulema Council Pakistan (SUCP), Activists, Imamia Students Organisation on Saturday staged protest against terrorism in Peshawar in which several Shiite people were killed during Friday prayers.

A large number of workers of Jafaria Youth Pakistan and Jafaria Students Organisation, led by SUCP President Allama

Mazhar Abbas Alvi, participated in the protest outside the Lahore Press Club on Saturday.

The protesters were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the killing of innocent people.






Speaking on the occasion, Allama Mazhar Abbas demanded that the government take effective steps to curb terrorism.

Also Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) staged a protest demonstration against the suicide attack.

Holding banners and placards inscribed with different slogans, dozens of ISO activists protested in front of Peshawar Press Club. The ISO alleged the government had failed to provide protection to the community, adding Shia members were being killed for no reason. They demanded the government to arrest the killers; otherwise, they would launch a series of protests against such incidents. Later on, the protesting ISO activists dispersed peacefully.

By: Admin On 6/23/2013 06:32:00 pm

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Earthquake Kills Dozens In Iran, 40 In Pakistan

Over 100 people expected have been killed in Iran and 40 in Pakistan after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan near the border with Pakistan.

Three women and two children were killed when their mud house collapsed in the district of Panjgur in the Pakistani province of Balochistan, according to government officials from the area.

The Iranian Seismological Center (IRSC) said the epicenter of the quake, which occurred at 15:14 local time at a depth of 18 kilometers on Tuesday, was situated 95 kilometers north of the city of Saravan.

The quake, unprecedented in the past 40 years, prompted officials to declare a state of emergency in the region.

Assessment and evaluation teams as well as rescue teams from the Iranian Red Crescent Society have been dispatched to the quake-stricken area, which is a sparsely populated rural area between the provincial cities of Saravan and Khash.

The tremor was powerful enough to be felt as far away as New Delhi, India, where it rocked tall buildings. It was also felt in the Persian Gulf’s littoral states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

In Pakistan tremors were felt in several cities, including Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Chaghi, Sibi, Jaffarabad, Karachi, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Quetta, Badin, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.

According to reports, the earthquake shook areas from Quetta to Pak-Iran Border Taftan and Pak-Afghan border Chaman. And Mekran belt near Arabian Sea.

By: Mohammed On 4/17/2013 01:12:00 am

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A PRACTICE OF SHIA GENOCIDE BY BRAIN-WASHED TERROTISTS IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan has become a hub of terrorism. In 2012 target killing of Shiites brutally took almost lives of 400 members of the community by the fanatic infidels.

It is noted that there was protest around the world by Muslims particularly Shia Muslims against iniquitous killing of innocents.

In India too protest against the target killing of Shias by the terrorist organizations has been convoyed. But still the take of Indian Government on this serious issue is quite hurting and shows the weakness of the government against Pakistan terrorism. The irony is that many Hindus in Pakistan were also killed in the attacks as those terrorists believe that both Shia and Hindu are Kafir (Infidel) or in their evil minds all people belonging to other religions and faith are infidel and should be killed. They just accept only the people of their own ideologies. It is really disgusting that the image of Islam the Most peaceful religion is slandered by these so-called disguised Muslims (as terrorists call themselves).

Some prominent Shiite clerics and Scholars commented on the issue-

Maulana Meesam Zaidi said, “Are those terrorists killing Shias in Pakistan working on the ideologies of Aurangzeb who killed his own brother and father, is this Islam?

“it is in fact demeaning to see that some so-called Muslims have mourned the death of Saddam, the killers of many Iraqis Shias and Osama bin laden, the most wanted terrorist and they would have made any protest against Gaddafi, the Libyan and a big tyrant of the Arab world, who also killed Muslims.. This shows the intention and precarious ideologies of false flag-bearers of Islam”. He added.

Maulana Mustafa Ali Khan, Representative of Great Shiite Iranian Religious Leader Ayatollah Sadiq Shirazi (ar) spoke on the issue and said, “Zionist have Implemented Terrorism, they are the maker of extremists and terrorists. Pakistan is the capital of Country of terrorism lead by America, Israel and Saudi. This target killing is the result of extremism and hatred extended by the terrorists in the name of Islam.”

Maulana Mirza Mohammad Athar, Chairman of All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), Have written a letter to Prime Minister of India appealing government to issue ‘Long term Visa’ to the Hindus and Shias of India there in Pakistan to lead a peaceful life as Canada and Tibet have given to their natives.

Maulana Yasoob Abbas, Member of AISPLB, echoed that Pakistan call itself as an Islamic country but it is totally against humanity and un-Islamic. He requested PM of India to address the issue seriously as Not only Shias but Hindus were also attacked there and their temples have bombed. In a rally on 17 December 2012 organized by Him from Nakhas to Vidhan Sabha, Lucknow; he with huge crowd protested against the atrocities of Pakistan and its law and order situation.

In 2012 in a speech Maulana Kalbe Sadiq , member of All India Muslim personal law board (AIMPLB) termed Pakistan as ‘Papistan’ meaning as Paap Sthan or a ‘Sinful Place’.

Prominent Shiite Religious leader of Lucknow, Maulana Kalbe Jawwad in an exclusive interview to TCN said, “Genocide of Shias in Pakistan is under the divide and destroy policy of America and Israel in association with Saudi Arab. Pakistan has ‘No Government’; it’s only the puppet of America and Israel”.

The scenario in 2013 is same as 2012 but there is increase in the killings in just 3 months, 243 Shias were killed in Quetta only and 45 were killed in Karachi bombing in February.

There is growing anger and frustration by the public because of the lack of action by the Pakistani government to find and punish those responsible. Human rights group have accused the Pakistani government of turning a “blind eye” to the bombings.

Ali Gokal writes in Huffington post-

If you still doubt whether these "incidents" in Pakistan are worthy of our attention, I refer you to this alarming letter from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a public calls-to-arms:

"All Shiites’ are worthy of killing. We will rid Pakistan of unclean people. Pakistan means land of the pure and the Shiites’ has no right to live in this country. We have the edict and signatures of revered scholars, declaring Shiites’ infidels. Just as our fighters have waged a successful jihad against the Shiite Hazaras in Afghanistan, our mission in Pakistan is the abolition of this impure sect and its followers from every city, every village and every nook and corner of Pakistan.

"Like in the past, our successful jihad against the Hazaras in Pakistan and, in particular, in Quetta, is ongoing and will continue in the future. We will make Pakistan the graveyard of the Shiite Hazaras and their houses will be destroyed by bombs and suicide bombers. We will only rest when we will be able to fly the flag of true Islam on this land of the pure. Jihad against the Shi'ite Hazaras has now become our duty.

"We will not let them escape alive in 2013 from Balochistan."

This kind of thinking and ideologies are perverted by these extremists in the name of Islam and unfortunately people starts analyzing Islam in light of this picture which makes a perception that terrorist are mostly Muslims But ironically No Shia have ever been reported to be associated with any terrorist attack, It proves that the Followers of the Martyr of Humanity, Imam Husain(as) never retaliate by attacking innocents and even they believe in prevailing unity and peace with the people of other religions all over the world But the conspirators in the fear of losing their leadership and control motivate the hatred among the extremist and use it for their political gains.

The fire of Pakistan dropped few ashes in India too as recently In Lucknow, In a Religious gathering of Moharram in deputy azim Imambada, Shiites have been gunned down by the extremists just a day before that protest march against shia killing in Pakistan. Those extremists attacked the mourners of the Grandson of Prophet Mohammad (sww) while the orator was addressing the gathering. It took lives of two innocent youths, one Shia and one Hindu. It evinces the similarity of the attacks on shias in Pakistan.

If State governments of India haven’t took any strict action against the culprits there will be a time when our country will soon be invaded by the ideologies of terrorists.

Syed hasan zia rizvi

By: Admin On 4/16/2013 01:17:00 am

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A look to Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi's life and works

Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi was the son of Molana S.Ahmed Mian Zaidi Rahi Jahangir Abadi

(Head Master Govt High School Amroha) and Syeda Anwaar Jahan. He lived in Khamosh Colony, Gulbaharjj .

He was a Leading Master / Instructor (ustaad) & Performer of traditional, Classical Soazkhwani & Founder of IDAARA-E-TARVEEJ-E-SOAZKHWANI, Shaayirr-e-Ahlebait. He was also a lawyer. He was a great poet, epic composer, educationist and scholar. He was also a renowned noha khwan of the Shia community.

He was a devoted marsiya khwan and trained hundreds of students in the art. He even established an institute to teach the art of writing and reciting marsiya [elegy]. About 5,000 students are enrolled at the institute. Jafar’s students remember him for his simplicity and love for Urdu poetry, especially in the elegy genre. He was well-versed in Urdu, Arabic and Persian. Jafar also authored several books and wrote thousands of marsiyas and nohas.

Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi was admired by Harvard University & Columbia University, USA. He also rejected job offer at Harvard University. Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi went to many countries in his life; he visited 18 countries as Professor, Scholar, and Poet & Soazkhwan.

Many Audio-Video cassettes DVDs,CDs have been prepared & released by reputed companies (all over the world & also available on various web-sites).

After withdrawal from C.S.S & advocacy (1977-81), Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi Served in a govt college of karachi (as Associate prof./BS-19).

His written contribution:

More than 10 books of Syed Sibt-i-Jaafar Zaidi have been published (Pak Studies for Intermediate & Degree Classes, Nishaan-e-Raah, Zaad-e-Raah, Muntakhabaat-e-Nazm-o-Nasar, Sauti Uloom-o-Funoon-e-Islami & Bastah).

He was also broadcasted by the national & international electronics media since 1967 as Naatkhwan,Soazkhuwan, Writer/Author , Composer, Scholar.

A glimpse of his working life:

· Karachi university Students' Union (Elected Councillor,F.R & Chairman Press & Publications Committee & Sports Board: 1976-79)

· Anjuman-e-Soazkhwanaan-e-Karachi:(Sec: Publications, Acting GS & Legal advisor/ between 1980-90)

· Sindh bar Association (1980-83)

· Arts council Pakistan, karachi, (Life Member:L-881/1190)

· Anjuman-e-Muhammadi Qadeem,Karachi. (President:1992-94)

· Bazm-e-Ghareeb Nawaz & Tehreek-e-Muhibbaan-e-Auolia, Pakistan ( Founder Member , advisor)

· Anjuman-e-wazifa-e-Sadaad-o-Momineen, Pakistan .(President: 2005-2008) & Mansabi Member

Awards:

He has a long list of awards for his achievements. Some of them are Fanoos Education Award, Sapla Education Award, Fanoos Gold Medal, Excellence Award, Habib Ibn-e-Mazahir Award, Karbala Award, Warsi Award, Ghulam Fareed Sabri Award, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Award, Sangam Award etc

On 18th March 2013 Sibt-e-Jaffar was on his way from the college to his home on motorcycle, when unidentified armed men intercepted him in Liaquatabad area and opened fire, killing him on the spot. Jafar is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

http://www.lucknowshianews.org/2013/03/a-look-to-syed-sibt-i-jaafar-zaidis.html

By: Mohammed On 3/23/2013 11:57:00 am

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Where is the Pakistani govt?

On March 16, Saturday, Pakistan created a record when its 'democratically elected' government claimed to have completed its full term of five years. For the government these five years may have passed with a blink of an eye.

Pakistani Shias have been at receiving end for some time now

But do ask those at the recieving end. This blink extended to such an extent that it made the government look blind. 

Minorities within Pakistan spent these years with hope hanging on a thread. There was not a single day when Pakistan did not report violence. 

In 2011, Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch had said, “Pakistani authorities need to address the severe danger faced by the Shia population with all necessary security measures. They can start by arresting extremist group members responsible for past attacks.”

Nothing happened. Killings continued.

These terrorists mainly belonging to the illeterate Lashkar-e-Jhangvi have targeted the Shia intellectual community. On November 29, 2011, Mohammad Danish Alam, a Shia teacher at Balochistan University was gunned down by unidentified men in the Zarghoonabad suburb of Quetta, Balochistan’s capital. Alam, a science and information technology lecturer, was on his way to the university on his motorcycle when gunmen opened fire and killed him.

On August 30, 2011, gunmen riding a motorbike shot dead Zulfiqar Naqvi, a Shia judge, his driver, Essa Khan, as Naqvi headed to work in Quetta.

Yesterday, it was the turn of noted poet and college principal Sibte Jaffer. He was targetted while on his way  home.

The atrocities against Shias have only risen while this Pakistan government was counting days to complete full term. The kind of attacks that have taken place in Pakistan against the Shias, there hasn't been a government for many, many years.

It's time people of Pakistan get serious about democracy or else watch their country go to a different set of dogs this year.

Source:http://www.mynetagiri.com/

By: Admin On 3/19/2013 02:20:00 am

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Professor Sibte Jafar was shot dead in Karachi on Monday

KARACHI: Poet and former principal of Liaquatabad College Professor Sibte Jafar was shot dead in Karachi on Monday, Express News reported.

According to initial details, unidentified armed men opened fire at Jafar while he was commuting through the Liaquatabad area on his motorbike.

Jafar’s body was shifted to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Police have started its investigation and more security personnel were summoned to keep the security situation in the area under control.

Evidence collected from the crime scene suggested that a 9mm pistol was used in the crime.

In the immediate aftermath of Professor Jafar’s murder, professors and lecturers in the province have announced a boycott of educational activities on Tuesday.

Apart from his educational duties, Professor Jafar was well known for his sozkhwani andmarsia recitals. He was also known for his poetry.

It has not been confirmed as yet if this was a sectarian attack.

The Shia Ulema council has announced three days of mourning and demanded that the killers be arrested immediately.

Shia community members have been targeted in the city by extremists. Recently, at least 50 people were killed in a terrorist attack in a Shia-neighbourhood of Abbas Town.

By: Admin On 3/18/2013 03:58:00 pm

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Shiite Man "Khawaja Mursaleem" Shot Killed in Karachi

 

A Shia Muslim Khawaja Mursaleem has been killed in Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi by the terrorists of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal-Jamaat known as Ex Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan.

25 years-old Khawaja Mursaleem was killed when he was driving his car the terrorists of SSP opened fired on him.

The martyrs body was shifted to the Ancholi Imambargah. The martyr had recently completed his Masters Degree.

Thousands Shiite Muslims have been killed by US-Saudi funded pro-Taliban terrorists of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal-Jamaat ASWJ (Ex-SSP) and Lashkar-e-Jhagvi in Pakistan.

Source: http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=399722

By: Mohammed On 3/14/2013 12:26:00 pm

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Pakistan Shia Genocide Appeal: Families targeted in Quetta blasts need urgent help – Pakistan

On 10 January 2013, a series of bombs in Quetta killed 77 people and injured 85.
On 1 February 2013, another blast in Hangu after Jumah Prayers killed 29 more people.
On 16 February 2013, a bomb in Quetta’s Hazara Town market killed 109 people and injured 200. 
Quetta is the largest city in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province. What was once known as a peaceful and joyous city and the ‘fruit garden of Baluchistan’, Quetta today is living through one of the most volatile period of its existence where genocidal sectarian killings are terrorizing the local ethnic Hazara Shia community.

In a span of 3 blasts over 6 weeks, 215 martyrs died in Pakistan and the common theme that ascends from all three of these incidences is that they were targeting Shia Muslims – including women and children. The truly humane among us cannot stand by while such sufferings take place. The bereaved families of the victims refused to bury their dead in protest of the government’s failure to protect the people of Pakistan by putting an end to sectarian violence. Other protests took place across the world to show solidarity with the victim families in Pakistan. Sadly, those who have repeatedly taken responsibility of the blasts have not been brought to justice.

THE WORLD FEDERATION HELPING VICTIM FAMILIES IN PAKISTAN Injured victims of the 10th January and 16th February bomb blasts were transported to different hospitals in Karachi where they received treatment. The World Federation of KSIMC is working with its regional partner in Pakistan to support these patients as and when they are discharged from the hospital. Discharged patients and their attendants are provided with:

• Lodging
• Three meals per day
• Ambulance service to and from the hospital for ongoing treatment
• Transportation to return home to Quetta post treatment

Our partners in Pakistan have already spent over $25,000 USD / £17,000 GBP assisting these blast victims and more funds are needed to continue the work.

VICTIMS OF 2 BOMB BLASTS QUETTA, PAKISTAN
	First Blast 10th Jan 2013	Second Blast 16th Feb 2013
Martyrs/Shaheed	77	109
Injured	85	200
Injured taken to Karachi hospitals for treatment	26	35

PAKISTAN SHIA GENOCIDE APPEAL:  HELP STOP THE SUFFERRING The World Federation is making a heartfelt plea to our worldwide community to help the victims Quetta’s bombings and other similar acts of violence by supporting the PAKISTAN SHIA GENOCIDE APPEAL. Donations received will help care for the needs of the blast victims and families of targeted killings in Pakistan and other regions across the globe.

Weeks after the blasts, the wounded victims as well as the grief-stricken families of the Shaheed continue to need our support. Donations are desperately needed to cover the costs of:

• Medical treatments
• Transporting the victims and their attendants back home
• Meals
• Ambulance charges
• Medicines
• Family support for those who have lost their breadwinner
• Education for the orphans
• Provisions for the disabled victims

PAKISTAN SHIA GENOCIDE APPEAL:  DONATE ONLINEDonate in Europe
Donate in the Rest of the World

Jamaat TreasurerDonate directly to your Jamaat Treasurer

For more information, please email relief@world-federation.org

http://www.world-federation.org/Relief+and+Economic+Development/Articles/Pakistan_Shia_Genocide_Appeal_Families_targeted_Quetta_blasts_need_urgent_help_Pakistan.htm

By: Admin On 3/06/2013 04:12:00 pm

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Abbas Town tragedy: Strikes and protests sweep country following blasts

The flag flies at half-mast at the Supreme Court registry in Karachi following two bomb blasts at Abbas Town. Courts (below) wore a deserted look as lawyers boycotted all legal proceedings on Monday. PHOTO: PPI/EXPRESS

Cities and towns went into shut-down mode as protests and rallies swept their streets in an outpouring of anger against the terrorist attack in Karachi’s Abbas Town on Sunday.

In Karachi, on Monday the legal fraternity observed a day of mourning to condemn the attack that killed more than 45 people and wounded over 100.

On the call of the Pakistan Bar Council, the Sindh, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa bar councils stayed away from the courts and observed a day of mourning.

Members of the Sindh High Court Bar Association, Karachi Bar Association and Malir District Bar Association did not turn up to plead their cases at the high court and subordinate courts and legal proceedings were suspended.

Upper Sindh

Six residents of Khairpur were among the victims of Sunday’s bombs. In upper Sindh, lawyers boycotted courts in protest. A complete shutter-down strike was observed in Sukkur, Khairpur, Rohri, Pano Akil and other nearby towns, while a partial strike was observed in some parts of districts Naushahro Feroze, Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Kashmore. Protest rallies and demonstrations were staged in many localities here too.

The victims, who hailed from Khairpur, included Zeeshan Haider aka Mohammad Mian, Jaffer Ali, Kashif Hussain Abidi, Altaf Hussain, Munawwar Hussain and Baqar Zaidi.

Hyderabad

It was a day for a strike and mourning in Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions as well. The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Hyderabad Traders Association announced that they would shut shop in solidarity with the victims. Men fired shots in the air to scare markets into closing in some areas. Multiple protests were also held.

Lahore

All bar councils in Punjab observed a day of mourning, following a call by the Pakistan Bar Council and the Punjab Bar Council. The Supreme Court Bar Association, Lahore High Court Bar Association, as well as all district and tehsil bar associations followed suit.

Lawyers at the district and tehsil bars did not work at court in order to express solidarity with the bereaved families. In Lahore, no lawyers appeared in lower courts and proceedings were adjourned. However, at the Lahore High Court, lawyers did appear for urgent cases.

The association’s newly elected president Abid Saqi said there was a lack of law and order.

He urged the government to act against terrorism, adding that lawyers would start a movement against it themselves if the government failed.

Peshawar

Like other parts of the country, members of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association also boycotted court proceedings. The association’s vice president, Babar Yousafzai, said that law enforcement agencies should widen their investigation so that culprits were brought to justice.

Office bearers told the media that the decision in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was taken to endorse the strike call given by the Pakistan Bar Council.

Quetta

Members of the Wahdatul Muslimeen staged a demonstration in front of the Quetta Press Club. Speakers blamed the federal and provincial governments for failing to protect the lives and property of the people.

They added that nothing has been done and every ethnicity and sect was unsafe.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2013.

By: Admin On 3/05/2013 10:39:00 am

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Pakistani Shia Muslims mourn as bomb death toll hits 45

 Members of Pakistan's Shia Muslim community were digging Monday through the rubble of a massive car bombing in Karachi.

They were looking for loved ones as the death toll from the blast the day before reached 45, a Pakistani doctor said.

The explosion on Sunday evening targeted members of the minority sect leaving a mosque in this port city, and underlined the increasing threat faced by Shia Muslims as extremist Sunni militant groups target them in ever-bolder attacks.

At least 146 people were also wounded in the explosion and 32 of them remain in serious condition, said Pakistani surgeon, Jalil Qadir.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but extremist Sunni militant groups who do not consider Shia Muslims to be true Muslims have carried out such attacks in the past.

This was the third mass casualty attack since the beginning of the year against Shia Muslims. The first two killed nearly 200 people in the southwestern city of Quetta, which is home to many Hazaras. They are an ethnic group, mostly made up of Shia Muslims, who migrated from Afghanistan more than a century ago.

Those attacks were claimed by Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, an extremist Sunni militant group known for its virulent hatred of Shia Muslims.

Pakistan's intelligence agencies helped nurture extremist Sunni militant groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in the 1980s and 1990s to counter a perceived threat from neighboring Iran, which is mostly Shia Muslim. Pakistan banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in 2001, but the group continues to attack Shia Muslims.

Karachi shut down on Monday for a day of mourning to honor the dead. Markets, gas stations and transportation were closed as security officials patrolled the streets.

At the site of the blast, family and friends were looking through the rubble for family members missing after the explosion.

"I am here to look for my relative," said Farzana Azfar. "People say he was here. But people say they have no idea about him. It appears that some bodies are still in the rubble."

With three massive attacks against Shia Muslims in as many months this year, many Pakistanis are questioning why the government does not seem able to protect them.

"Go ask the sleeping government to wake up. Our brothers and sisters are dying every day. But the government is doing nothing. This government is sleeping," said Shagufta Rasheed.

By: Admin On 3/05/2013 02:38:00 am

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Senior Najaf Shia Cleric: Do Not Be Indifferent to the Shia Massacre

 

Ayatollah Sayed Hakim Muhammad Saied one of the Islamic Jurist of Najaf in a message to the United Nations Secretary general of the Shia massacre strongly Denounced Occurring in the world and Pakistan and II Emphasized Especially in the Crimes need to stand against such. He wrote in his message: "The international community has to be Responsible Toward the Shia massacre and the Terrorist Bombings Especially in II and Pakistan and do not be Indifferent Toward this disaster." He Considered Attacking the busy areas and the place of worship of Shia as the United Nations Asked to Condemn an Inhuman crime and acts of this kind. Ayatollah Hakim Continued: "failure to deal with Terrorist Crimes Towards international institutions and organizations can make Pessimistic Nations." That Noteworthy It is this Given message to Martin Coupler has been the representative of UN in Abdul Hadi Hakim II by member of Parliament to Ban Ki Moon II and Coupler Would give this letter in few days.

By: Admin On 3/03/2013 02:11:00 am

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Pakistan's Shia Muslims take up arms over attacks

 

Extremist Wahhabi bombers killed nearly 200 people in Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta in the two worst bomb attacks to strike Shiite Muslims from the minority Hazara community, just weeks apart on January 10 and February 16.

After each attack, thousands of Hazaras, including women and children, camped out in the bitter cold demanding that the army step in to protect them. The government brokered an end to the protests, but refused to mobilise the troops.

Outlawed extremist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility and has threatened to exterminate all Shiites. Few believe that dozens of men rounded up after the bomb attacks will ever be brought to justice.

Pakistan's Supreme Court and rights groups accuse the authorities of failing to protect Hazaras and now young men like 18-year-old Ismatullah are taking up arms to defend themselves and their families.

Ismatullah's best friend was shot dead last June near Hazara Town. He lost more friends when suicide bombers flattened a snooker hall on January 10 and a massive bomb hidden in a water tanker destroyed a market on February 16.

"I couldn't control myself when I saw scattered pieces of so many children and women of our community," said the first year college student.

"Our community is only interested in education and business, but terrorists have forced us to take up whatever arms we have and take to the streets for our own security."

At the moment they operate as volunteers under the name, Syed-ul-Shohada Scouts, registered as part of the Baluchistan Scouts Association, an affiliate of the worldwide scouting movement.

For years, young men like Ismatullah have volunteered to protect sensitive events, such as religious processions during the holy month of Muharram.

But their chairman says the threat is now so great that they should be paid full time as an auxiliary to government security forces.

"We have around 200 young men who perform security duties on specific occasions, but most of them are students and workers, and can't work full-time," said Syed Zaman, chairman of the Hazara Scouts.

"We are trying to make a system to start their salaries for permanent deployment and also coordinate with the security agencies. Hopefully, we will be able to form a regular force... and salaries in a month," he said.

Scouts president Ghulam Haider said it was a mistake to rely on government security when the first of two suicide bombers struck at the snooker hall in the Alamdar Road neighbourhood.

"It resulted in another bomb blast minutes after the first one and we lost many more people," Haider told AFP.

"We didn't want that to happen again, so immediately after the blast on February 16, we armed our youth to man the streets and entry points, which helped to prevent the chances of a second attack," he claimed.

Hazara Town, where the market was bombed, is very exposed, in the shadow of the Chiltan mountains and near the bypass which links the Afghan border town of Chaman to Pakistan's financial capital Karachi.

While paramilitary Frontier Corps and police patrol the main approaches, they are not visible inside the neighbourhood.

"Security agencies can't protect us. They don't know the area because most of them come from outside Quetta. So we're planning to set up our own permanent posts inside our areas," said Haider.

The police, however, have their doubts.

"If we start private policing by arming one particular community, it will set the wrong precedent," said Fiaz Ahmed Sunbal, head of Quetta police operations.

He claimed police were planning to close entrances to Hazara Town, and would recruit 200 young Hazaras to patrol their own areas.

Haider says closing off roads will isolate the community but welcomed the recruitment of Hazara Scouts as a long-term solution.

Others warn that time is running out.

"If they don't do anything and something happens again, we will take up guns and go out and kill our opponents. There will be open war," said 26-year-old shopkeeper Zahid Ali.

By: Admin On 2/28/2013 04:02:00 pm

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Maulana Ahmed Ali Abedi, representative of the Grand Ayatollah Sistani questioned the target killing of Shias in Pakistan

Shia Isna Ashari Community of Mumbai and Thane called for a press conference on Tuesday, 26th February to condemn the second major bombing since the year 2013 each one of them killing more then a hundred.
Religious scholars of Shias, Sunnis and Christian community together condemned the attack.

Maulana Ahmed Ali Abedi, Friday prayer leader of Khoja jame Masjid, Mumbai and also a well known representative of the Grand Ayatollah Sistani (one of the highest learned scholar in Shia community across the globe) questioned the target killing of high professionals in Pakistan and explaining that this professionals are human assets and not a community asset and people killing them are against humanity and hence have no religion. He condemned the target killing as well as all the bombing in Pakistan as well as a recent one in Hyderabad, demanding all Muslims to be united.
Father Joe, a Christian priest gave his condolences over the terror attacks, giving a verse from Bible to support his speech. He explained that killing of innocent children is like killing a generation and not just a child.
Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi, a Sunni religious scholar pointed this attacks as a big international plot by America to sow discord amongst Muslims, praising the Muslims in India to be smart enough compared to the neighbouring country, specially the scholars from different sects of Muslims who always tend to be united to avoid the enemy taking advantage of our religious difference. He asked all Muslims sect to be united to save the Muslim face globally.
Maulana Roohe Zafar, a well known scholar and also Daily prayer leader at Khoja Jame Masjid, Mumbai explained there are different Muslims sects but all worship a common God, follow a common book (Quran), believe in a common Messanger(saw) then why the difference between all the sects. There are so many points to be united. He asked the Indian government to take concrete steps against Shia killing in United Nations.

By: Mohammed On 2/27/2013 03:58:00 pm

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Grand Ayatollah Hamedani Calls for Protection of Pakistani Shias

 

Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani called on Pakistani people to maintain their unity and avoid creating rift among themselves, and also called government to maintain security and protect peopleˈs lives and properties, including Shia people.

He made the remarks in a meeting with a group of Pakistani clergymen and seminary students residing in Qomˈs seminary.

While condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistani city of Quetta, Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani sympathized with the families of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks.

The representatives of Pakistani seminar students praised the firm stances of Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani on supporting Pakistanˈs oppressed Shia people.

By: Admin On 2/21/2013 11:08:00 am

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Pakistani Shia Muslims agree to bury Quetta bombing victims

Pakistanis have agreed to bury the victims of a bloody bombing in the southwestern city of Quetta that killed nearly 90 Shia Muslims, after Islamabad vowed to arrest those responsible for the attack.

On Saturday, the bombing tore through the crowded vegetable market in the town of Hazara, on the outskirts of Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan Province. The area is mostly inhabited by Shia Muslims. 

Following the massacre, protesters took to the streets across Pakistan and other countries including the neighboring Afghanistan to denounce the violence against Shia Muslims. 

On Monday, the mourning relatives of the victims refused to bury the bodies of their loved ones unless the government takes concrete actions and finds the perpetrators of the slaughter. 

Meanwhile Allama Amin Shahidi, a spokesman for the protesters from the Shia Wahdatul Muslemeen party said on Tuesday that "The sit-in protest all over Pakistan is now finished and people should disperse peacefully.” 

He added that the Pakistani government has assured the protesters that they will fulfill all their demands, adding, “the governor and the government told us that a targeted operation has begun, which will continue until all the culprits are eliminated." 

The dead will be buried later on Tuesday or early on Wednesday. 

Also on Tuesday, Pakistan arrested seven suspects in connection with the bloody bombing. Officials said Pakistani forces also killed four men during an operation on the outskirts of Quetta.

Akbar Hussain Durrani, the home secretary of Balochistan Province, said that one of the masterminds of carnage was among those arrested. 

A spokesman for the outlawed Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the bombing that drew global condemnations. 

Violence has escalated against Shia Muslims in different parts of Pakistan in recent months. Since the beginning of 2012, hundreds of Shias have been killed in the country. 

On February 1, some 19 people were killed and dozens wounded when a motorcycle packed with explosives exploded near a mosque in the town of Hangu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. 

On January 10, nearly 130 people were killed and many others injured in a wave of deadly attacks targeting both Pakistani security guards and civilians, including Shia Muslims, in the country. 

Shias make up about a thrid of Pakistan’s population of over 180 million. 


- Press TV Reports

By: Mohammed On 2/20/2013 01:44:00 am

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