Pakistan's Shia Muslims On Alert After Taliban Double Bombing

Alarm spreads nationwide after holy month attacks in Rawalpindi and Karachi add to ongoing threats and drive-by shootings

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Damage after Taliban suicide bomb hit Rawalpindi while Shia Muslims marked holy month. Photograph: KeystoneUSA-ZUMA / Rex Features

 

Although sectarian fanatics in Pakistan have long targeted Shia Muslims during the holy month of Muharram, Ashgar Naqvi had no particular reason to be fearful on Wednesday night as he attended a procession in Rawalpindi.

"This procession happens every year," said the 32 year old. "It's been going on for 40 years with no mishap."

But this year the Taliban decided to widen their war against Shias.

At around 11.20pm a Taliban suicide bomber moved towards the crowd gathered near an Imambargah prayer hall, where worshippers were singing songs mourning the death of a grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
"He was stopped by a guard who wanted to search him and he blew himself up," said Naqvi, who recalled a horrific scene of body parts and terrified worshippers. "People were rushing around, calling out the names of loved ones."

The attack, which killed 23 people and wounded 60, came just hours after another bombing in Karachi.

Although the port city has borne the brunt of such sectarian attacks over the years this assault was a particularly vicious double bombing, possibly designed to kill and injure rescuers.
Adding to growing national alarm, some Shias received a text message yesterday, reading "Kill, Kill, Shias".

Continued, here.