Pakistanis stage massive rally against killing of Shia Muslims

Pakistanis have held a major demonstration in the southern port city of Karachi, protesting against a recent deadly attack on Shia Muslims in the country, Press TV reports.

Large crowds of protesters, including members of civil society and peace activists, poured onto the streets of Pakistan’s largest city to voice their outrage against the massacre.

The protest rally occurred hours after 60 people were killed and dozens injured in a bomb attack on a Shia mosque and religious center in the town of Shikarpur, around 470 kilometers (300 miles) north of Karachi.

Local security officials said the attack took place when Shia Muslims worshipers were performing Friday prayers.

In response to the attack, similar rallies were held in other Pakistani cities, including the capital Islamabad, Lahore, and Quetta.

The angry demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and demanded the arrest of those behind the incident.

The protesters also demanded that the Pakistani government take decisive action against the forces involved in the targeted killings, saying that Islamabad cannot provide security for the Shia Muslim community.

The demonstrators also accused some Arab monarchies across the Persian Gulf of supporting and funding militant groups operating in Pakistan.

This is the latest deadly incident in a wave of violence against the Shia Muslim community in Pakistan. Pro-Taliban militants have claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the violence-wracked country.

The frequent incidents have raised concerns among human rights groups, while moderate Pakistani Sunni groups have described the issue as a conspiracy against the country.

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

JR/AS/MHB

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