2010 Quetta Civil Hospital bombing

The 2010 Quetta Civil Hospital bombing occurred on 16 April 2010 in Quetta, Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring 47 people. The dead included Shia Hazara PPP Member of National Assembly Syed Nasir Ali Shah and his son, at least one of guards, and two Hazara police officers. [2] The incident took place when they had arrived to condole the death of a Shia bank manager who was killed by unidentified gunmen earlier.

2010 Quetta Civil Hospital Quetta bombing
LocationQuetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
Date16 April 2010
TargetHazara people, Shiites
Attack type
Suicide bombing, firing, target killing
WeaponsSuicide belt
Deaths12
Injured47[1]
PerpetratorsLashkar-e-Jhangvi
MotiveAnti-Shi'ism

Background

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Pakistan, which has a mostly Sunni population, has seen sectarian attacks against minorities including Shias, who account for about 15–25% of Pakistan's population, and are the followers of the Prophet's progeny. Sunni militant groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan which operate freely in Pakistan have for years targeted minorities including Shias. Hazaras who are predominantly Shia have been targeted since 1998 due to their distinct facial features. Sayed Nasir Ali Shah was the first ever Hazara elected to the National assembly and was expected to visit the hospital.[3]

References

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  1. ^ ""We are the Walking Dead"". Human Rights Watch. June 29, 2014.
  2. ^ "Lashkar-e-Jhangvi responsible for Quetta blast". The Express Tribune. April 16, 2010.
  3. ^ Shahid, Saleem (April 17, 2010). "Bomber blows himself up inside Quetta hospital; 11 killed". DAWN.COM.