Blast on bus kills 22 Shia pilgrims in Mastung

[Cheetah786]

QUETTA: At least 22 people were killed and dozens injured Tuesday when a powerful explosion ripped through a bus carrying Shia pilgrims in Balochistan's militancy-hit Mastung district.

The bus was coming from the Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan when it was attacked in Dringhar area, on the main Quetta-Taftan Highway in Mastung district, some 50 kilometres southwest of Quetta.

Shafqat Anwar, the Assistant Commissioner in Mastung, said the bus caught fire after the blast. Anwar added that at least 32 people were injured, which included 24 men and eight women.

Provincial Home Secretary Asadur Rehman Gilani said that two buses had been traveling together with security vehicles provided by the government and that the bomb struck one of the buses.

“Two vehicles of forces escorting the pilgrim’s buses were also damaged in the blast,” he said.

Gilani said investigators believed around 80 kilograms of explosives were used in the explosion, though it was not immediately clear what type of bomb was used or whether it was a suicide attack.

“Our priority is to shift the injured to hospitals,” he said, adding that women and children were also among the dead and injured.

Most of the injured were shifted to Combined Military Hospital for medical treatment, he added.

Emergency was imposed in hospitals to treat the injured.

Banned militant group Lashkar-i-Jhangvi has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Malik Baloch condemned the attack on the pilgrims' bus and ordered inquiry into the incident.

This incident comes only 20 days after an explosives-laden vehicle targeted a passenger bus carrying Shia pilgrims in Hazar Ganji area of Quetta, killing at one and injuring 34 others. The banned militant outfit Jaish al Islam had claimed responsibility for the attack on January 1.

Blast on bus kills 22 Shia pilgrims in Mastung - DAWN.COM

 

[Sugarcane]

Thread already existed

 

[Cheetah786]

Protests across country over Mastung tragedy


QUETTA: Protesters, including women and children, were holding sit-ins across the country Thursday, including Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Hyderabad to voice anguish at the deadly suicide attack on a bus carrying Shia pilgrims in Mastung that claimed more than 25 lives.

The people of the Hazara Shia community carried the coffins of the pilgrims killed in the Mastung bomb attack and continued their sit-in on Alamdar road in Quetta on the second consecutive day.

“Our sit-in on Shuhadaa Chowk Alamdar Road will continue and we will not bury the dead until an operation is launched against the culprits who attacked and killed the pilgrims in the Dringer area of Mastung district,” said Syed Musarrat Agha, the Acting President of Balochistan Shia Conference.

Speaking to media representatives, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) leaders Abdul Hassan Hazara and Mirza Hussain Hazara said that sectarianism was being promoted through a planned conspiracy to push Balochistan into anarchy-like situation. “If the authorities do not take notice of the sectarian killings immediately, the situation will further deteriorate,” they said.

Meanwhile, official sources told APP that high profile personalities, including federal ministers, were due to arrive in Quetta on Thursday or Friday to meet with the protesters whereby they would offer them condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the federal government.

They said that Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch had instructed the concerned authorities to plan an alternative and safe route for the pilgrims to visit Iran from Balochistan.

“The senior officials have been asked to review the options whether Shia pilgrims of Balochistan be taken to Iran through the Karachi-Gwadar route or ferry service from Karachi and Gwadar ports to Bandar Abbas Port of Iran be started,” they said, adding that “the Quetta-Taftan route might be closed for the pilgrims” travelling due to high security risk.

In Lahore, the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) protesters were holding a sit-in on Mall Road. Following consultations between the MWM and the administration, one track of Lahore’s Mall Road was opened for traffic whereas protests were underway on the other track. In view of the prevailing situation, security has been beefed up and additional police personnel have been deployed.

MWM protesters have refused to end the protests and said the decision to call it off rested in the hands of Quetta demonstrators.

The protesters furthermore said they did not want to cause any trouble to the general public but at the same time demanded that the federal government should ensure security of civilians.

Meanwhile, large numbers of demonstrators were protesting against the Mastung attack in the Faizabad area of the federal capital and have also demanded a quick operation against terrorists.

Members of civil society also staged a vigil outside the Press Club in Islamabad earlier on Wednesday night.

Shia organisations also arranged protests at several locations of Karachi whereas the flow of traffic was blocked in Ancholi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Qayyumabad, Hino Chowk Flyover and Numaish Chowrangi areas.

Karachi’s chairman of the Private Schools Management Association, Sharafuz Zaman, said that schools would remain closed today in those areas where roads were blocked.

Sit-ins staged on different patches of the metropolis' major artery Shahrah-e-Faisal had left residents of localities beyond the city's airport almost stranded.

Shahrah-e-Pakistan that connects Karachi with other parts of the province through Super Highway was another affected area, compelling people from parts of the Federal B Area and Abul Ispahani Road to remain indoor, with all businesses almost closed.

Due to the closure of main roads, traffic was suspended and flight schedules were affected.

Hundreds of people were also taking part in a solidarity sit-in organised in Multan. Security was tightened up in view of the protest.

Earlier on Tuesday, over 25 people were killed and dozens injured when a powerful explosion ripped through a bus carrying Shia pilgrims in Balochistan's militancy-hit Mastung district.

The banned militant organisation Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack, which it described as a suicide bombing, and warned of more such attacks.

Last year, thousands of mourners staged a three-day sit-in from Jan 10 to 13 in the aftermath of twin-bombings that had left over 100 people dead.

Protests across country over Mastung tragedy - DAWN.COM


The coward politicians have no time they will arrive at their leisure Disgusting. So called L J patron Prime minister of pakistan himself will not be visiting Disgusting. HIs law minister walks hands in hands with L J leader ship

L J management has been provided around the clock protection by state of pakistan Only country in the world where terrorist leader ship is provided armed guards by the state. State of pakistan is under Terrorist control PMLN.

 

[Cheetah786]

Terrorist Law Minister at a press conference at 180-H Model Town while country burns he is sitting without a worry in a comfortable hotel and has no time for victims of his terrorism.

 

[HariPrasad]

Culprits should be bought to Justice,

 

[Cheetah786]

Culprits should be bought to Justice,

How when Terrorist run the justice system

 

[HariPrasad]

How when Terrorist run the justice system

By using the power of Police or military.

If can not bring them to Justice, Kill them in TIT FOR TAT.

 

[Cheetah786]

By using the power of Police or military.

If can not bring them to Justice, Kill them in TIT FOR TAT.

Terrorist leadership has been provided round the clock armed guards military protection who do u want people to go ask for help? L J terrorist armed to the teeth walk free of fear all over the country

 

[niaz]

Doesn’t everyone know that no one in Pakistan gives a fig about the Shias? LEJ bold claim all sectarian attacks, however Rana Sana Ullah of PML-N and Head of the banned SSP (mother of LEJ) are like brothers. Understand SSP/LEJ supporters voted for PML-N in the last election.

Imran Khan even though verbose in condemnation of sectarian killings totally ignores that TTP beheaded Shia prisoners during DI Khan Jail break. Instead PTI are engaged in ‘Dharma’ against NATO supplies after their beloved Hakimullah Mehsood was killed in a drone attack.

Not a single KPK minister visited Aitzaz Hasan's grieved family because they happen to be Shia. PPP leaders promised action against LEJ when the same thing happened in January 2013, but did nothing. Anti Pakistan Jamaat Islami founder had already declared Shia Quaid e Azam as ‘Kafir e Azam’ thus expect no sympathy form the bigot Munawwar Hassan. I heard Dr Baluch, the current CM saying on TV that Baluchistan gov’t cannot protect the Shia pilgrims and they should use the sea route instead. Rangers say that some members of the secular MQM were engaged in target killing of Shia leaders in Karachi.

It is therefore obvious that such attacks will not stop until either LEJ/TTP is eliminated or all Shia disappear from Pakistan. Since JI, PML-N, PTI & JUI will ensure that LEJ/TTP thugs are never eliminated, I propose that Shias should be ready to either convert to Wahhabi faith or emigrate.

The above is not simple rhetoric but conclusions based on the fact that Hazara community of Quetta has never spawned any terrorist, noted dacoit or even a famous criminal. Instead they provided Musa Khan COAS of Pak Army and Sharbat Ali Changezi, a hero of 1965 war. Pray tell me then why successive governments have done nothing whatsoever to protect these citizens of Pakistan? The very next day levies were killed when a Spanish cyclist was attacked again near Mastung. Even an idiot can tell that the terrorists are present somewhere around that area. Did we hear of any targeted operation in Mastung?

Fact is that Pakistan no longer has any gov’t. Killers are called Shaheed and brave kids are maligned as happened in case of Malala and now Aitzaz Hassan. Our society as whole is sick. Leaders, whether religious or political, have become devoid of the basic human virtue that is called compassion except when the victims are Taliban leaders. Thus 20- 25 Pakistanis killed every day means very little to the society in general. Let us ask ourselves “Are we really worthy of belonging to the human race”?

 

[Cheetah786]

Doesn’t everyone know that no one in Pakistan gives a fig about the Shias? LEJ bold claim all sectarian attacks, however Rana Sana Ullah of PML-N and Head of the banned SSP (mother of LEJ) are like brothers. Understand SSP/LEJ supporters voted for PML-N in the last election.

Imran Khan even though verbose in condemnation of sectarian killings totally ignores that TTP beheaded Shia prisoners during DI Khan Jail break. Instead PTI are engaged in ‘Dharma’ against NATO supplies after their beloved Hakimullah Mehsood was killed in a drone attack.

Not a single KPK minister visited Aitzaz Hasan's grieved family because they happen to be Shia. PPP leaders promised action against LEJ when the same thing happened in January 2013, but did nothing. Anti Pakistan Jamaat Islami founder had already declared Shia Quaid e Azam as ‘Kafir e Azam’ thus expect no sympathy form the bigot Munawwar Hassan. I heard Dr Baluch, the current CM saying on TV that Baluchistan gov’t cannot protect the Shia pilgrims and they should use the sea route instead. Rangers say that some members of the secular MQM were engaged in target killing of Shia leaders in Karachi.

It is therefore obvious that such attacks will not stop until either LEJ/TTP is eliminated or all Shia disappear from Pakistan. Since JI, PML-N, PTI & JUI will ensure that LEJ/TTP thugs are never eliminated, I propose that Shias should be ready to either convert to Wahhabi faith or emigrate.

The above is not simple rhetoric but conclusions based on the fact that Hazara community of Quetta has never spawned any terrorist, noted dacoit or even a famous criminal. Instead they provided Musa Khan COAS of Pak Army and Sharbat Ali Changezi, a hero of 1965 war. Pray tell me then why successive governments have done nothing whatsoever to protect these citizens of Pakistan? The very next day levies were killed when a Spanish cyclist was attack again near Mastung. Even an idiot can tell that the terrorists are present somewhere around that area. Did we hear of any targeted operation in Mastung?

Fact is that Pakistan no longer has any gov’t. Killers are called Shaheed and brave kids are maligned as happened in case of Malala and now Aitzaz Hassan. Our society as whole is sick. Leaders, whether religious or political, have become devoid of the basic human virtues that is called compassion except when the victim are Taliban leaders. Thus 20- 25 Pakistanis killed every day means very little to the society in general. Let us ask ourselves “Are we really worthy of belonging to the human race”?

It's very simple the same who are quietly or out loud supporting these animals for few dinars will be the next target, but good news is no one will be listening for their cry of help as by that time state will be declared a write- off.

 

[Irfan Baloch]

Its very simple the same who are quietly or out loud supporting these animals for few dinars will be the next target but good news is no one will be listening for their cry of help as by that time state will be declared a write off.

I wont apologize on the behalf of these fiends and pests both who are committing the crime and those who are quiet from outside and laughing from inside because I dont consider these people as part of me even though they share my faith and religion.

Irony of Pakistan .. made by kafir e Azam.. Modudi must be laughing his *** off right now in the grave. what India couldnt do will be done with sectarian pests who termed Pakistan Napakistan.

these supporters are blinded by sectarian sickness. I unfortunately have few members in my family too who actually laugh at the misery of the minorities in Pakistan.
I dont see them and associate with them because their presence makes me sick.

rest assured these hypocrites will pay soon enough, they think that LeJ and TTP will spare them because they share the same faith but looking around at the carnage in the country they are just kidding themselves.
the dinar givers and dinar takes are kidding themselves by second guessing their Creator, the Allah they claim to believe in and recite His name whenever they behead a fellow human being. if its not them then their coming generations will pay in this world and the afterlife.

there might be delay but there is no injustice in Allah's world.

Culprits should be bought to Justice,

the justice givers are the biggest supporters of terrorists themself.

the only justice we see is when drone strikes happen and the mass murderers are killed.
then PTI and Jamat Islami protest for their "martyrs"

 

[HAIDER]

Ex Chief Justice of Pakistan did not pass ruling against any accused terrorist , NOT A SINGLE ONE got punishment. All release even after killing thousands of military personal.

 

[bandit]

Shias are comparatively non-violent people.

PAkistan should start thinking some out of the box solutions, maybe create a new province for shias and let them handle their own security.
Also arent most shias killed while returning from pilgrimage in Iran in buses?

How hard can it be for police and army to secure a bus convoy from attacks...

 

[pak-marine]

This little girl died in yesterday's attack on the Shia hazara community and her brother got injured

 

[janon]

This little girl died in yesterday's attack on the Shia hazara community and her brother got injured

That's very sad. Quite often, victims of mass murders and atrocities become just another impersonal statistic, just a number of how many got killed. Their personal photographs, like this one, present us with the human element behind these statistics, reminding us that there are common human beings like us behind these statistics, who die in these human made (and unnecessary) tragedies. On another day, that girl could just as well have been me or you. You the reader, or I the writer could have breathed our last breath because somebody placed an explosive device where we work or live or travel, to further their political aim. But as things stand, you and me are still alive, but that girl does not exist any more - she does not breathe, or eat, or laugh like you or me. She will never grow up to be a parent or grandparent, like most of you would some day. She lies in a cold grave, being eaten by worms, because she was prematurely killed by religious bigots.

I have my own political or nationalistic or religious viewpoints - but what does any of that matter, in the larger scheme of things? India/Pakistan/America/Whatever, Hindu/Muslim/Sikh/Atheist/Shia/Sunni/Catholic/Protestant/Whatever, Brown/Black/White/Whatever - what does any of these matter, from a broader point of view? I am a sentient human being, as are you the reader, and anything else is an invented and artificial barrier put up by narrow minded human beings.