Examining the Shia Genocide in Pakistan: A Deepening Crisis in Kurram District (IANS Insight)

New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The deliberate targeting of Shia Muslims in Pakistan, particularly within the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has evolved into a significant humanitarian catastrophe. The rising violence against the Shia community reflects a complicated interplay of historical, geopolitical, and socio-political factors that necessitate immediate attention and resolution.

The struggles of Shia Muslims in Kurram, notably in Parachinar, a town with a Shia majority, symbolize the larger sectarian divide present in Pakistan.

Sectarian tensions in Pakistan have deep historical roots. The Shia-Sunni divide, which began centuries ago, intensified in Pakistan during the 1980s, significantly influenced by the Iranian Revolution, the Afghan Jihad, and the policies enacted by General Zia-ul-Haq. These events led to the rise of extremist factions that weaponized religious identities. In Kurram, this divide has been especially pronounced due to the region's demographics and geopolitical importance.

Geographically positioned near the Afghan border, Kurram has experienced repeated violence outbreaks, with Parachinar becoming a focal point. From 2007 to 2012, armed extremists encircled Parachinar, cutting off vital supplies like food and medicine, resulting in numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands. This siege foreshadowed the ongoing violence that still haunts the region.

Recent attacks and rising violence

Recent events underscore the gravity of the situation. On November 21, 2024, armed assailants ambushed a convoy traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of 42 Shia Muslims, including women and children. Survivors described how the attackers exited their vehicles and opened fire on the convoy, leaving a path of devastation.

In the days that followed, new attacks resulted in 20 additional deaths, further destabilizing the area. Markets were set on fire, and gunfire rang out through the night as residents of Parachinar struggled with fear and loss. The Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attacks, pledging justice for the victims. However, such promises have done little to assuage public anger or restore a sense of safety. Protests erupted in major cities, with Shia groups declaring a three-day mourning period to pay tribute to the victims.

The statistical trends regarding sectarian violence in Pakistan reveal a distressing pattern. Over the last decade, significant incidents targeting Shia Muslims have led to thousands of fatalities. In 2013, more than 120 Shia Muslims were killed in bombings in Quetta, attributed to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. In 2016, a bombing in Parachinar resulted in 23 deaths, and in 2018, the Mastung attack, carried out by ISIS-K, claimed 149 lives. The Hazara community, a Shia minority, has also faced targeted killings, including the 2020 massacre of 11 miners in Balochistan. The year 2024 has witnessed over 60 Shia Muslims killed in Kurram, with violence showing no signs of diminishing. The following table illustrates this grim reality:

Root causes and effects of sectarian violence

The underlying causes of this violence are complex and multifaceted. Geopolitically, Kurram's closeness to Afghanistan renders it susceptible to militant infiltration and arms trafficking. The porous border facilitates the operation of extremist organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-K. Regional proxy conflicts, particularly the Saudi-Iran rivalry, have exacerbated sectarian tensions, with both sides reportedly financing competing religious factions. Locally, Kurram's distinct ethnic and religious makeup has made it a hotbed for sectarian conflict. The economic marginalization of the area worsens these issues, with poverty and underdevelopment breeding resentment and unrest.

The government's inaction and alleged complicity have also fueled the crisis. Human rights organizations and local leaders have frequently criticized the government for failing to safeguard Shia Muslims. Despite initiatives like the National Action Plan aimed at combating extremism, inconsistent implementation and a lack of political will have stalled progress. The judiciary's failure to hold perpetrators accountable has further emboldened extremist groups.

The human cost of this violence is staggering. Families have been torn apart, children left orphaned, and entire communities displaced. The psychological toll on survivors is profound, with many struggling to cope with the trauma of losing loved ones and witnessing violence firsthand. The social fabric of Kurram has been severely damaged, with sectarianism fostering distrust and hostility among communities.

Paths to peace and justice

Despite these challenges, avenues for resolution exist. Strengthening security in Kurram is crucial. This entails deploying additional forces, enhancing border controls, and dismantling militant networks. Judicial reforms are also necessary to ensure accountability for sectarian violence. Socio-economic development plays a crucial role. Investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare can alleviate poverty and create opportunities for marginalized communities. Promoting interfaith dialogue and community reconciliation initiatives can help bridge divides and foster unity. International support, both technical and financial, is essential. Collaborative efforts with global agencies can bolster counter-terrorism initiatives and support community rebuilding efforts.

The persistent violence against Shia Muslims in Kurram is not merely a regional tragedy but a blemish on Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding its diverse population. Addressing this issue necessitates a collective effort from the government, civil society, and international partners. Justice for the victims and their families is not merely a moral obligation but a prerequisite for peace and stability in Pakistan. Ensuring the safety and dignity of Shia Muslims in Kurram is not just a local issue but a test of Pakistan's commitment to upholding the principles of humanity and justice.

However, it has become clear that Pakistan has not succeeded in protecting its Shia minority. The ongoing massacres, lack of accountability, and the persistent presence of extremist factions targeting this community underscore the state's failure to ensure the safety of its citizens. This ongoing inability to protect vulnerable groups like Shia Muslims, combined with the government's reluctance to decisively address sectarian violence, paints a bleak picture of a state incapable of providing security and justice for all its people. This ongoing inaction and disregard for the safety of a significant portion of its population indicate that Pakistan is, in many ways, a failed state. The situation calls for urgent intervention at all levels to restore basic rights, security, and justice for Shia Muslims in Pakistan. The time for action is long overdue.