By Nasir Khan
Srinagar, Aug 02 (NVI) In a first-of-its kind development, the massacre of Shias in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan found echo here in Kashmir with thousands of community members taking out a procession and shouting slogans against Pakistan for allowing such incidents against minorities there.
Participants of the protest in Shia-dominated Mirgund area of Srinagar voiced their outrage over the killing and wounding of over 200 Shias by Sunni Muslims in Parachinar area of Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province over the last one week.
Chanting ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ and ‘Tum Kitne Hussaini Maaroge’ (how many Shias will you kill), the Kashmiri protesters demanded justice for victims of Parachinar and effective measures to ensure safety of the community members there.
The Srinagar protest reflects growing regional concern over the instability in Parachinar and serves as a platform for the affected community to demand accountability and protection for Shia Muslims facing persecution.
Shia-dominated Iran has also voiced its concern and criticism over the large scale violence against the community members in Parachinar, triggering a verbal clash with Pakistan.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Kanaani has publicly condemned the “oppression” against the Shias in the Pakistani region.
In a statement, Kanaani has said the targeted attacks on Shias has “revealed the criminal nature of the Takfiri groups (those Muslims who do not recognise other Muslims).”
He said the “hearts of all Muslims” have been saddened by the developments in Parchinar.
These comments by Iran angered Pakistan, which asked the neighbouring nation to desist from making “unwarranted” statements.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during her weekly press briefing today, said Iran’s comments were “unnecessary”.
