Pakistan: Parachinar: Shiites Sit-In Against Detention Of Shia Notables Continue

The sit-in that the Shia Muslims of Parachinar (Kurrum Agency, FATA) began on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr continued despite passage of 7 days. They are protesting against the unjustifiable detention of Shia notables and ban on entry of a noted Shia scholar into Parachinar.

At 3 different points, male Shiites are sitting while women and children are sitting at Punjabi Bazaar. Commercial activities have come to a standstill. Schools have also been closed.

After performing Eid ul Fitr, Shia Muslims had marched to the office of Political Agent from Eid Gah. The protestors were chanting slogans against the biased political agent Riaz Mehsud demanding his immediate transfer. Security officials opened aerial firing and also targeted protestors by tear gas shelling. Then, protestors went to Shaheed Park and began staging a sit-in there. Shia Muslims also spent day Eid day like Moharram. On second day (Wednesday), the women and children began sit-in on School Road.

The sit-in continued on Thursday and several rounds of talks with the government officials were held but no demand was met. Shia Muslims of Parachinar want the release of all Shiites who had been put behind the bars since Rabi ul Awwal 17. They want Maulana Shaikh Nawaz Irfani back to Parachinar and transfer of political agent Riaz Mehsud. Instead of meeting the genuine demands of protesting Shia Muslims, the state machinery was preparing to crackdown on the protestors and special services group’s commandoes had reached Parachinar.

On the other hand, Majlis Ulema-e-Ahl-e-Bait, some local organizations and jirga members were trying to mediate between the protestors and the government.