Bus Attack in Karachi

I start my thought with words from Founder of Pakistan - M. A. Jinnah.

“Minorities to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion of faith or belief will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with their freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their life, and their culture. They will be, in all respects, the equal citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste or creed.” ~ M. A. JINNAH, July 14, 1947, at a press conference in New Delhi.

 

As a sunni Muslim I condemns in the strongest terms the May 13, 2015 terrorist attack on the Ismaili Muslim community in Karachi, Pakistan. Early reports indicate at least 45 dead and 22 injured when six gunmen opened fire on busses carrying Ismaili Muslims.

I deeply saddened by this horrible loss of innocent life and offer our most heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, I pray for the safety of all in Pakistan during these troubling times.

Sixty-two people were on the bus on their way to a community centre when the gunmen boarded after cutting off the bus with their motorcycles. Once inside, the gunmen shot indiscriminately at the men, women and children. When the gunmen left, an injured individual drove the bus to a nearby hospital. By the time they arrived at the hospital, most of the passengers had died.

His Highness the Aga Khan, spiritual leader, stated:

This attack represents a senseless act of violence against a peaceful community. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of those killed and wounded in the attack.

Other leaders across Pakistan have expressed their absolute shock at this attack on the Ismaili Muslim community. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, called it “a deplorable attempt to spread chaos in Pakistan.”

I endorse that Ismaili Muslim community is one of the most peaceful and charitable communities in Pakistan. They are involved in a number of development projects across the country and work in all segments of society. Their roots in Pakistan are very deep, as they have inhabited that area of the world for hundreds of years. While the community is small, their positive impact on Pakistan is tremendous.

As an Sunni Muslim, my heart breaks for the victims of this attack and for their families.

As mine are, I know your thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones in Pakistan.

So much sadness right now. I'm heartbroken all over again.

Kamal Faridi

Fb.com/KamalFaridi

Twitter.com/KamalFaridi