Sectarian violence in Pakistan has claimed thousands of lives, targeting minority communities, especially Shias, through bombings, assassinations, and systemic discrimination, leaving deep scars on the nation’s social fabric. This article by Afsheen Fatima tells the painful story of how sectarian violence, especially against Shia Muslims, has shaped many lives in Pakistan, including her own. She explains how this hatred has deep historical roots, starting from political and religious policies in the 1980s, and how extremist groups have grown stronger over the years. Is this a failure on the part of the Pakistani state to protect its minorities? If yes, then what urgent reforms are needed to stop this violence and build a more tolerant society? If you are interested in getting these answers, this article is a must-read.
Sectarianism in Pakistan: Lived Experiences, Sour History & Potential Remedies
