HRCP claims attacks on Shia processions were sectarian

Lahore, Sept 3 (ANI): The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said the triple bombing on mourning processions that killed at least 37 people on Wednesday were orchestrated against a particular sect. The processions were being taken out by Shias when the three suicide attacks took place.

"The attacks on religious processions in Lahore and Karachi have once again highlighted the fact that besides posing a threat to the integrity and stability of the state the militants, operating under the umbrella of belief, will inevitably step up violence against the sects they disagree with," the Daily Times quoted the HRCP in a statement.

Urging government to act against intolerant extremist organisations, the HRCP added, "As a rule, such attacks have been followed by an exclusive focus on the security aspect and not at all on the extremist organisations that orchestrate these attacks or the root causes of intolerance. One such organisation has claimed the responsibility of the attacks in Lahore. The government may have banned extremist groups in theory, but they retain their ability to strike at will." (ANI)