Pak CJ seeks govt response on attacks on Shias

Islamabad, Feb 18: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry on Monday took suo moto notice of a series of attacks that killed hundreds of Shia Hazaras in Quetta and sought a response from the government regarding steps taken to address the issue. The Chief Justice acted after receiving a note from the Supreme Court's Registrar regarding the attacks on the minority Shia Hazara community.

The note referred to twin suicide bombings in Quetta that killed 92 on January 10 and a devastating bomb attack that left nearly 90 dead on Saturday. The case will be heard by a three-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice tomorrow. Chaudhry summoned the Attorney General and Advocate General of Balochistan province to inform the court about steps taken to protect the Shias and to prevent terrorist attacks.

The banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for both attacks on the Shia Hazaras in Quetta. The minority community has also been targeted in other parts of the restive Balochistan province.

Following Saturday's attack, hundreds of Shia Hazaras have a joined a sit-in protest with bodies of dozens of victims. The Majlis-e-Wahdat Muslimeen, a leading Shia group, has said the bodies will not be buried till action is taken against banned militant groups and the security of Quetta is handed over to the army.

PTI