Islamabad, Sep 1 (IANS) At least nine people were killed and a dozen others injured in a wave of sectarian violence that hit Quetta city, the provincial capital of Pakistan’s southwest province of Balochistan Saturday, reported Xinhua, citing local media and police.
Unidentified gunmen attacked a car carrying Shia Muslims of Hazara ethnic group, attacked a girls’ school and fired in various areas of the city to create panic.
The firing incidents started early in the morning when gunmen fired at a private car, killing five Shia Muslims in Hazar Ganji area. In another incident in the same area later, two more Shia Muslims were gunned down.
Following the second incident, the Shia religious leaders of Hazara community took to the streets and demanded government to arrest the people involved in brutal killings of Shias.
In another incident, one man was killed and 11 others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Shia Muslims protesting against target killing of Hazara community.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Some unidentified gunmen also fired at the building of a girls’ school to create panic among the students and staff members.
Hazara Democratic Party strongly condemned the incident and called for a shut down strike in Quetta Sunday. Balochistan Shia Conference announced a three-day-mourning in the province.
Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani Nawab has sought a report about the incident from the concerned officials.
Talking to media, the chief secretary said target killing is not a new issue in Quetta but in recent months, its incidence has increased alarmingly. He said the authorities are trying hard to bring the situation under control.
Police did not succeed in arresting any of the attackers, local news reports said.
