GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
We, the undersigned, urgently bring to your attention the critical situation facing the Shia Muslim community in Parachinar, Kurram District of KPK province in Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan.
The Shia community is under siege from attacks by both the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan-based Deobandi Takfiri groups. Numerous Shia Muslims have lost their lives, and hundreds are injured. Alleged support for these Takfiri groups by rogue elements within Pakistan’s security forces adds to the complexity of the situation.
The blockade of roads to Parachinar has led to severe shortages of essential supplies, creating a humanitarian crisis. Lack of access to medical facilities in Peshawar has resulted in tragic consequences, with lives lost due to inadequate medical care.
Parachinar’s conditions are reminiscent of besieged areas like Gaza, with reports of local administration complicity and communication shutdowns. Extremist groups have been invited, declaring Jihad against the Shia Muslim community.
These events unfold against a backdrop of sustained campaigns inciting anti-Shia violence and forced migrations. The recent blasphemy bills in Pakistan further expose the lack of will to curb extremist forces, endangering the Shia Muslim community.
Recognizing the crucial role of the Shia Muslim-majority tribes in resisting displacement and preventing terrorism, we call on the international community to:
1. Strongly condemn the blockade and alleged support for Takfiri groups by rogue elements in Pakistan’s security forces.
2. Call for immediate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Shia Muslim community in Parachinar.
3. Demand the restoration of communication services for transparency.
4. Pressure the Pakistani government to investigate and hold accountable those supporting Takfiri terrorists.
5. Support peaceful initiatives involving moderate Sunnis for resolution in Kurram District.
Your swift attention and action are crucial to prevent further loss of life and protect the rights of the besieged Shia Muslim community in Kurram District.
SFHRS Consortium
Supporting Members
Interfaith Unity for Tolerance
Southern Punjab Legal Aid Group under Pakistan Adab Wa Aman Society
Sadaat-e-Amroha Australia
Voice of Hussain
Mohsena Memorial Foundation
Justice For Muslims Collective
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain
Rutgers University Ahlul Bayt Association
University of Illinois College of Law – Muslim Law Students Association
University of Chicago Muslim Law Students Association
Husaynia Islamic Society of Seattle
Dar-e-Zahra Women’s Foundation
University of Michigan Muslim Student Association
Muslim Burial Organization of Los Angeles
Shia Muslim Council of Southern California
SHIA INC.
Los Angeles Muharram Procession
Indian Muslim Student Association at The University of Michigan
Zainabia Islamic Society
Muslims United for Justice
Jafaria Islamic Society
Al-Zahra Islamic Center of Charlotte
MSA Lone Star Council
Safinah
Silja
Imamia Educational Center
Shia Racial Justice Coalition
Islamic Center of Zahra
Anjuman Asiran Dar e Batul NY
Majlis e Ulama e Shia Europe
Imamia Medics International
HAQQ
Stand for Justice LDN
Al Mehdi Islamic Center
Al Mahdi Welfare Organization Canada
SABA Islamic Center
The Qa’im Initiative
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Association of Ottawa
Inside-an-airportI
Zainabia NJ
Bargah e Abul Fazlil Abbas
Texas A&M University Muslim Students Association
Bab-ul-Ilm Islamic Center
Shia International-Pakistan
Jafaria Association of Connecticut
AECC Singapore
FITNA-Feminist Islamic Troublemakers of North America
Ahlulbayt Student Association of City College
New York Law School Muslim Law Students Association
Islamic Educational Center of Orange County
Dar Al Nur
Ahl ul Bayt Center of Nevada
Islamic Education Center of Murrietta
Muslims4peace
Standwithdignity
Swarthmore Muslim Student Association
NYU Muslim Students Association
UMAA
Shia Association of North America (Bait ul Qaym)
Masjid e Ali (Muslim Foundation)
Cornell MECA
Dar-e-Abbas Center Houston
Markazi Imam Bargah Al Murtaza
Shia Aasan of North America
Muslim Foundation Inc
Imam Zamana Foundation of North America
Hejrat Educational Center
Islamic Education Foundation of Arizona
Muslim Student Association – UMass Dartmouth
The Council of Islamic Guidance
Shia Camp
Ghadir Centre
Hussaini Association of Calgary
Babul Hawaij Islamic Center of Calgary
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Association of Ottawa
Kisa Kids
AGA Islamic Inc