The Hazara community, a distinct ethnic group identifiable by their Mongoloid features, has been subjected to relentless sectarian violence for generations, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Pakistan, the Sunni Muslim extremist militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is widely believed to be behind many of the attacks targeting the Hazara people. The Hazaras, who predominantly practice Shia Islam, have faced persecution and discrimination in Sunni-majority Pakistan.
Since the 19th century, many Hazaras have sought refuge in Quetta, a city on Pakistan’s western border, to escape violence in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, in recent years, Quetta has become increasingly unsafe for them. The rate and severity of attacks against the Hazara community have escalated alarmingly. In just eight recent attacks, 216 Hazaras were brutally killed, and over 300 others were injured. One of the deadliest attacks occurred on January 10, 2013 when a bomb exploded in a snooker hall, killing 94 people. In recent years, more than 2,000 Hazara men, women, and children have lost their lives, and over 1,000 have been injured in Quetta alone. This ongoing violence has shattered families, instilled fear, and created an environment of perpetual insecurity for the Hazara community.
I-LAP’s Intervention
In response to the escalating violence and the suffering of the Hazara community, I-LAP took a stand by organizing a peaceful protest under its banner. The protest was held in front of the National Press Club (NPC) to raise awareness and demand justice for the Hazaras in Quetta. The event drew hundreds of people from diverse faiths and walks of life, who came together to show solidarity with the victims of these senseless attacks.
During the protest, candles were lit in memory of the innocent Hazaras who had lost their lives to religious extremism. The symbolic gesture of lighting candles served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of intolerance and the need for collective action against such atrocities.
Addressing both national and international media, Sajid Sandhu, the Chairman of I-LAP, spoke passionately about the need for peace and religious tolerance. He condemned the killings of Shiite Muslims in Quetta as acts of extreme religious intolerance and insanity. He emphasized that no religion, including Islam, condones violence or the killing of innocent people.
Sajid Sandhu also called for immediate action to address the growing threat of religious extremism in Pakistan. He urged religious scholars from all schools of thought to come together and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat extremism and promote interfaith harmony. He stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding between different religious communities as a means to foster tolerance and peace.
Through this intervention, I-LAP not only raised awareness about the plight of the Hazara community but also highlighted the broader need for unity and collaboration among religious leaders and communities to counter the forces of hatred and violence. I-LAP remains committed to advocating for the rights of persecuted minorities and working towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.



