The Rising Tensions: Shia-Sunni Conflict in Pakistan
Current Situation in Pakistan
Recent events in Pakistan have received extensive coverage in the media, with outlets such as Al Jazeera, BBC and CNN discussing the escalating violence. Notably, this violence has not been attributed to any terrorist organization or foreign military, but rather stems from conflict between the Shia and Sunni communities within the country. The situation has escalated to the point that civilians have turned against each other, resulting in the loss of over 150 lives, while initial reports indicated a shocking 82 deaths.
The three days of violence saw nearly 300 families forced to relocate, highlighting the severity of the conflict. The rising death toll raises concerns about a future escalation of violence, as many victims remain unidentified and have no whereabouts.
Historical Context of Sectarian Divisions
Sectarian divisions in Pakistan date back to the early days of Islam. Pakistan’s population is predominantly Muslim, with about 97% of them practising this religion. Of these, Sunni Muslims make up about 80-85%, while Shia Muslims make up about 10-15%. Globally, the Muslim community is also similarly divided, with 85% Sunni and 15% Shia. The main differences between these sects emerged soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, revolving around leadership succession within the Islamic community.
Sunni Muslims believe that any capable leader can guide the community, while Shia Muslims believe that leadership should remain within the family of the Prophet. This fundamental disagreement has fueled conflict for centuries, with notable violence in regions such as Iraq and Pakistan.
Violence Over the Decades
Violence in Pakistan has increased significantly since the 1980s. For example, thousands of Shia Muslims were killed from 1987 to 2007, with an estimated 4,000 deaths during this period. Another wave of violence occurred from 2008 to 2014, killing large numbers of Shias, although the government often conceals the exact figures.
Iran’s Response and Regional Dynamics
Interestingly, Iran, a predominantly Shia country with a 95% Shia population, has repeatedly condemned attacks on Shia Muslims in Pakistan. Iranian officials have urged the Pakistani government to protect its Shia population, but no concrete action has been taken yet. The recent violence has erupted mainly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region, where the Shia population has substantial land ownership.
The conflict began with an attack on a Shia convoy, resulting in the deaths of 43 people. The subsequent response from the Shia community led to further violence involving Sunni groups, making an already volatile situation even worse. With tensions rising, there is concern that Iran may once again issue a statement condemning the violence, although such actions often coincide with a lack of proactive measures by the Pakistani government to control the situation.
Impact on India and Regional Stability
The consequences of this sectarian violence affect countries far beyond Pakistan’s borders, particularly India. Historical shifts in the demographics of Shia communities in Pakistan have led to many regions that were once Shia-majority to become Sunni-majority due to violent conflict. This shift is evident in regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, where the Shia majority has declined significantly.
This demographic change is significant for India, as there are concerns that these areas may eventually be incorporated into Indian territory. The ongoing violence and persecution against the Shia community raise questions about broader implications for regional stability and security.
Call for action
In view of these developments, it is essential for India to address these issues diplomatically with Pakistan. The survival of minority communities, including Shia Muslims, is at stake, and their plight deserves international attention. The situation is precarious and urgent action is required to prevent further loss of life and promote communal harmony.
