Pakistan: The treatment of Shi'as by the government and the population; the government response to violence against Shi'as; the status and situation of the Shi'a political party, the Tehreek (Tehrik)-i/e-Jafria Pakistan (TJP) (2000-March 2004)
This Response incorporates relevant sections of PAK38534.E of 13 February 2002 and PAK31581.E of 13 April 1999.
Demography
Shi'a Muslims are a minority group in Pakistan, comprising approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the total population (America 12 Aug. 2002; PPI 9 Dec. 2002; MRG Aug. 2002, 13). The Shi'a community, which includes Bohras, Dawoodis, Ismailis and Khojas, is mainly concentrated throughout the Punjab province, although a large Shi'a community also resides in Hyderabad, Karachi and Peshawar (ibid., 12). The Shi'a community in Quetta (Balochistan province) has settled there from central Afghanistan (Hazaras) and Iran (ibid.). Shi'as are also located in the Turis of the Kurram Agency region, where they are a majority and many also live among the Bangash tribe (ibid.).
Theological Differences
The majority of Pakistan's population belongs to the Sunni Muslim faith (ibid., 13; AP 13 Mar. 2003; International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. I; PPI 9 Dec. 2002). Sunnis regard the Koran as the only source of faith and believe that the community's consensus on the interpretation of the Koran and Sunna (traditions) is "infallible and binding" (ibid.). Accordingly, for Sunnis there is no need for priesthood (ibid.). Sunnis also believe that the responsibility of caretaker (caliph) for the community after Mohammed's death is to be inherited by members of specified Middle Eastern dynasties (ibid.). Shi'as however, believe in "a succession of imams, whose essential qualification [is] descent from Ali. The imams [are considered to be] infallible in the interpretation of law and doctrine" and Shi'as have a spiritual fondness towards them (ibid.).
Islam split into the Shi'a and Sunni sects following the death of the prophet Mohammed, when Shi'as asserted that the cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed, Ali, should be appointed Caliph (ibid.). However, three others had been appointed before Ali's appointment as Caliph in 656 (ibid.). Ali was killed in 661 during a conflict in the Muslim community, at which time his son, Hussein, attempted to challenge the ruling dynasty (Ummayad) (ibid.). He and his party were killed in Iraq in 680 (ibid.). Since his death became a symbol of suffering for the Shi'a community, they commemorate his death every year (ibid.).
Societal Attitudes
Shi'as in Pakistan are well integrated into society and have their own social, political and cultural organizations (PPI 9 Dec. 2002). According to Pakistan Press International (PPI),
Shias are not systematically discriminated against by other elements in Pakistani society. They are not an economically disadvantaged group. They are found in all of the professions, in government and in the army (9 Dec. 2002).
Although several news sources in 2002 and 2003 reported that the majority of Sunnis and Shi'as co-exist peacefully (AP 13 Mar. 2003; ibid. 23 Dec. 2003; ibid. 21 Feb. 2002; BBC 2 Apr. 2003; PPI 9 Dec. 2002), one 2002 news article stated that the majority of Sunnis are suspicious of Shi'as and of their beliefs and rituals, which they deem to be unorthodox and sacrilegious (America 12 Aug. 2002) and according to two other 2002 articles, the Sipah-e-Sahaba (SSP), a Sunni organization, declared that Shi'as are infidels that lack proper piety (Knight Ridder 21 Jan. 2002; America 12 Aug. 2002). In addition, some Sunni groups reportedly publish literature that calls for violence against Shi'as (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. III).
Information on whether the war in Iraq has influenced the relationship or level of violence between the Sunni and Shi'a communities in Pakistan, could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
Religious Violence
Despite a generally peaceful coexistence between the two groups, there have been frequent outbreaks of violence between them (MRG Aug. 2002, 3; PPI 9 Dec. 2002; BBC 6 Oct. 2003), which are generally carried out by militant groups and extremists from both sects (ibid.; AP 23 Dec. 2003; ibid. 13 Mar. 2003; ibid. 6 Feb. 2001; AI 15 May 2001; Statesman 8 July 2001; International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. III; BBC 20 Jan. 2001). The SSP, including its military wing, the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) (PPI 9 Dec. 2002; BBC 23 June 2003), have been accused of many attacks on Shi'as (PPI 9 Dec. 2002; America 12 Aug. 2002; BBC 7 Oct. 2003; ibid. 23 Feb. 2003; AFP 26 Feb. 2002; AP 11 Mar. 2002), while the Tehrik-e-Jafria Pakistan (TJP), a Shi'a organization, has been accused of attacks on Sunnis (ibid.; AFP 26 Feb. 2002; BBC 23 Feb. 2003). In 2001 and 2002, most victims of this violence were Shi'a Muslims (The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002; AFP 22 Feb. 2001; AI 15 May 2001; AP 11 Mar. 2002). According to International Religious Freedom Report 2003, in 2003 "[t]he worst religious violence [in Pakistan] was directed against the country's Shi'a minority, who continued to be disproportionate victims of individual and mass killings" (18 Dec. 2003).
Acts of violence against Shi'as are greatest during the month of Muharram, or the first month of the Islamic calendar year in which Shi'as commemorate the death of Hussein (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. 2; PPI 9 Dec. 2002; MRG Aug. 2002, 13; The News 18 Mar. 2002; BBC 12 Mar. 2002; ibid. 12 Apr. 2000b). According to Associated Press (AP), the ninth and tenth days of the month are the most dangerous, when Shi'as participate in mourning processions (13 Mar. 2003) during which they beat their chests with iron chains (BBC 25 Mar. 2002). However, according to a 2001 Amnesty International Report (AI), violence against Shi'as outside the month of Muharram did occur; most common was the shooting of Shi'as by gunmen on motorcycles (AI 15 May 2001). (Please see the attached non-exhaustive list of acts of violence against Shi'as in Pakistan from 2000 to 2004, which has been compiled from news reports by the Research Directorate.)
While most of the violence against Shi'as has occurred in Karachi (Sindh province) and in the Punjab province (BBC 6 Oct. 2003; Freedom House 2003), incidents of violence against Shi'as have also occurred in other parts of the country (please see attached list).
In May 2001, AI reported that while there were several peaceful weeks after the military takeover by President Musharraf, sectarian killings resumed in late 1999 and continued at a high level as of the writing of the report (15 May 2001). The level of violence between Shi'as and Sunnis increased following the attacks of 11 September 2001 and the expulsion of the Taleban from Afghanistan (BBC 6 Oct. 2003). Immediately following President Musharraf's announcement of a ban on five extremist groups in January 2002, sectarian violence between the two groups continued to rise (AP 11 Mar. 2002). Between January and April 2002, the BBC reported that over 30 Shi'a Muslims had perished as a result of sectarian violence (BBC 26 Apr. 2002).
In 2001 through 2002 there were numerous attacks on Shi'a doctors and other Shi'a professionals throughout the country (Freedom House 20 Mar. 2002; ibid. 2003; AFP 3 Oct. 2003; AP 11 Mar. 2002; BBC 4 Oct. 2001; ibid. 3 Sept. 2001; AI 26 Apr. 2002; The Herald Apr. 2002b, 47-48; ibid. Apr. 2002b; International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. III). According to BBC, 10 doctors were killed in Karachi between January and April 2002 (8 Apr. 2002). An article in Dawn reported that in the first six weeks following the aforementioned January 2002 speech by Musharraf, there were twelve attacks that targeted Shi'a doctors, business executives, teachers and worshippers, in which 21 were killed (3 Mar. 2002). According to The Herald, most of the doctors that were killed had no affiliation with any political or sectarian party (Apr. 2002a, 44, 45). In April 2002, doctors in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta went on strike to protest the sectarian attacks that were targeted at them (BBC 8 Apr. 2002).
Reports of violence against Shi'a doctors in 2003 and 2004 could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
The Government's Response to Sectarian Violence and Attacks Against Shi'as
In May 2001, Amnesty International referred to the violence between Shi'as and Sunnis in Pakistan as
A legacy which the present government has inherited from successive earlier governments [that] either failed to decisively tackle the problem, either due to indecision or fear of backlash, or tried to used religious groups for their own political ends and so fed sectarian violence (15 May 2001).
Throughout the period 2001 to 2004, the government took various steps to curb sectarian violence in the country, including:
2 February 2000: A court in Lahore (Punjab province) upheld a judgement that imposed the death penalty on two men for their involvement in attacks that killed over 20 Shi'a Muslims (BBC 2 Feb. 2000).
28 February 2001: Nawaz Haq, a leading member of the SSP, was executed (ibid. 5 Mar. 2001; ibid. 28 Feb. 2001; AI Apr. 2001).
14 August 2001: The federal government banned the Sipah-e- Mohammad Pakistan (SMP) (a Shi'a organization) and the Laskhar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) (a Sunni organization) (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. II; The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002; BBC 2 Sept. 2001).
23 August 2001: The Central Bank of Pakistan ordered all banks to freeze the accounts of LJ and Sipah-e-Mohammad Pakistan (ibid. 23 Aug. 2001).
August 2001: The government arrested members of the SSP and the TJP (The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002; International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. II).
August 2001: The provincial government of Sindh banned fundraising activities by various militant groups (The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002). This was followed by police raids of offices, mosques and madrassahs that resulted in the detention of more than 250 people (ibid.). According to International Religious Freedom Report 2002, these individuals were detained temporarily (7 Oct. 2002).
September 2001: The police arrested approximately 50 suspects in connection with sectarian violence in Karachi (Sindh province) (BBC 4 Sept. 2001).
November 2001: Maulana Azam Tariq, former head of the SSP, was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order Act to prevent him from inciting violence (AFP 30 Oct. 2002). Although Tariq was suspected of killing numerous Shi'a activists, he was never convicted (ibid.). Tariq was assassinated on 6 October 2003 (AP 10 Oct. 2003).
12 January 2002: The federal government banned Jaish-i-Mohammad, Lashkaril-Taiba, Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, the TJP, Tanzim Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Mohammadi, while Sunni Tehrik was placed on a watch list (The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002). The government also imposed strict restrictions upon mosques and madrassahs (Knight Ridder 21 Jan. 2002).
13-16 January 2002: In connection with the 12 January 2002 ban on extremist groups, the police sealed party offices throughout the country (Statesman 15 Jan. 2002) and detained over 1,900 activists (The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002). However, according to International Religious Freedom Report 2003, it was 3,000 party members that were detained, although most were eventually released without charges (18 Dec. 2003, Sec. II).
February 2002: The federal government enacted a new anti-terrorism law that provides for harsher punishment for those who support terrorists, including the death penalty (AP 21 Feb. 2002).
18 May 2002: The anti-terrorism court sentenced two SSP members (Dilawar Hussain and Saeed Awan) to life imprisonment for the murder of ten Shi'as (Dawn 18 May 2002). The judge also imposed a fine to be paid to the victims' heirs (ibid.).
19 July 2002: The government announced and immediately implemented the Madrassah Registration Ordinance 2002, which requires all schools to register with the Pakistan Madrassah Education Board and provincial boards, prohibits madrassahs from accepting foreign aid and requires foreign students to obtain a no objection certificate before admission (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. II). The madrassahs were given six months to comply with the Ordinance, otherwise they are to be fined or closed down (ibid.). Reports on the enforcement of this Ordinance could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
18 November 2002: The government implemented an amendment ordinance to toughen the anti-terrorist law (The News 18 Nov. 2003). The ordinance enables the police to detain suspected terrorists for a total period of one year without laying charges (ibid.). Under the law, the police can also investigate assets and bank accounts of the suspect's relatives (ibid.). In addition, the law prohibits suspects from frequenting public places if they are released on bail (ibid.). Suspects can challenge their detention in court, which is required to render a decision within 30 days (ibid.).
2 April 2003: Shabir Ahmed, leader of the LJ, was arrested in connection with four separate murders of Shi'a Muslims (AFP 2 Apr. 2003; BBC 2 Apr. 2003). Information on the outcome of the arrest could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
27 April 2003: Mian Mohammed Ajmal (a.k.a. Akram Lahori), Mohammed Azam (a.k.a Sharif) and Attaullah (a.k.a. Qasim) were convicted on three counts of the murder and received two death sentences each for killing Shi'as (Dawn 27 Apr. 2003). Ajmal was chief of the LJ (ibid.). Ajmal, Azam and Attaulah filed an appeal, which as of February 2004 was still before the courts (Dawn 11 Feb. 2004).
23 June 2003: The police arrested five LJ members in connection with attacks on Shi'a Muslims and foreigners living in Pakistan (BBC 23 June 2003). Reports on the status of the arrests could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
19 August 2003: The anti-terrorism court convicted four members of the LJ in connection with the murder of six Shi'as in Karachi in 2001 (ibid. 19 Aug. 2003; AFP 20 Aug. 2003). Two of the members were sentenced to life imprisonment and the other two received the death penalty (ibid.; BBC 19 Aug. 2003). The court also imposed fines as part of the punishment (ibid.). Reports on whether the death sentences were carried out could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
3 November 2003: Mohammed Qasim, a top leader of the LJ, was arrested in connection with attacks on Shi'a Muslims (AP 3 Nov. 2003). Qasim was reportedly in the process of planning further attacks against Shi'as when he was arrested (ibid.). Reports on the status of Qasim's arrest could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
15 November 2003: Four members of the banned LJ were convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a Shi'a Muslim (ibid. 15 Nov. 2003). In his finding, the judge also ordered that the property of the convicts be confiscated and imposed a fine on them (ibid.). Reports on the status of the arrests could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
15 November 2003: The federal government banned the Tehreek-i-Islami Pakistan (a Shi'a organization), the Millat-e-Islami (a Sunni organization) and the Khudam-ul Islam (an organization that promotes the independence of Kashmir) (ibid.; AFP 15 Nov. 2003). These groups had previously been banned by the government, but had renamed themselves (AP 15 Nov. 2003). The Jamaatul Dawan was put on a watch list (AFP 15 Nov. 2003). The government immediately sealed the offices of the banned groups, froze their funds and imposed a requirement for all religious parties to obtain a license before being able to hold a mass gathering (ibid.).
3 January 2004: Three SSP member were arrested after Pakistani intelligence officials were informed that they were planning attacks against Shi'a Muslims (ibid. 3 Jan. 2004). Reports on the status of the arrests could not be found by the Research Directorate among the sources consulted.
9 March 2004: The police arrested four suspects in connection with an attack on President Musharraf and a Shi'a mosque (Pakistan 9 Mar. 2004).
For additional information on the government response to specific incidents of violence against Shi'as, please refer to the attached list.
The government has also taken other steps to prevent violence between Sunnis and Shi'as. For example, in 2001, the government increased security around Afghan refugee camps in response to concerns that Sunni militants might have been returning from Afghanistan, where they had been sheltered by the Taliban, to plan attacks against Shi'as in Pakistan (Financial Times 6 Oct. 2001).
In March 2002, the federal government increased security throughout the country as a precaution against attacks during the month of Muharram (ibid. 19 Mar. 2002). This included patrolling processional routes by the police and paramilitary forces (BBC 25 Mar. 2002). In the province of Punjab, security was heightened (AFP 1 Mar. 2002). Specifically in Lahore, a special crisis management centre was set up and metal detectors and sniffer dogs were used prior to the Ashura procession, which is a march that commemorates the death of Ali's (the Caliph) son, Hussein (BBC 25 Mar. 2002). In addition, Shi'a and Sunni scholars in collaboration with local councillors set up peace committees for the procession (ibid.).
In October 2003, following the assassination of Maulana Azam Tariq, former SSP leader, the government increased security throughout Pakistan and stationed extra police officers at Shi'a mosques (AP 10 Oct. 2003). In addition, public demonstrations in the province of Punjab (the headquarters of Tariq's movement) were banned (ibid.).
Later in October 2003, the Punjab provincial government decided to provide security to high-ranked Shi'a leaders and bureaucrats in light of intelligence reports that militant groups were planning attacks on prominent members of the Shi'a community in response to the assassination of Tariq (The News 30 Oct. 2003).
Although the current government openly discouraged and condemned violence among religious groups between 2001 and 2004 (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003; BBC 12 Jan. 2002; ibid. 2 Mar. 2004; ibid. 28 Feb. 2001; The News 5 July 2003; AFP 3 Mar. 2004; ibid. 5 July 2003; ibid. 23 Feb. 2003; ibid. 4 Oct. 2003; Knight Ridder 21 Jan. 2002; Dawn 16 Feb. 2002; Xinhua 5 July 2003; Financial Times 19 Mar. 2002) and generally responded quickly to incidents of sectarian violence (PPI 9 Dec. 2002), Pakistan Press International (PPI) and Amnesty International both reported in 2002 that government action had not been effective in reducing sectarian violence or the loss of life as a result of such violence (ibid.; AI 26 Apr. 2002). The Shi'a community believes that the government has failed to protect their members (The News 9 Mar. 2002; ibid. 12 July 2003; ibid. 4 Mar. 2004; AFP 3 Mar. 2004; BBC 2 Mar. 2004; Dawn 16 Feb. 2002).
According to a May 2001 report by Amnesty International, the police either did not intervene in sectarian clashes or arrived at the crime scene after someone had been injured or property had been destroyed (15 May 2001). In addition, the police rarely arrested those responsible for sectarian murders because there was an absence of an effective witness protection program (AI 15 May 2001). Furthermore,
Fears of retaliation are well-founded as key witnesses of sectarian crimes as well as lawyers, prosecutors and judges have been murdered in revenge acts by the community of the accused. Consequently, cases of high profile sectarian killings remain[ed] pending for years as judges, lawyers and witnesses fear for their lives (ibid.). PAK42530.ESimilarly, in its April 2002 news report on the sectarian attacks targeting doctors, The Herald identified the unavailability of satisfactory legal redress following the death of a victim of sectarian violence as one of the factors contributing to the state's inability to control attacks on Shi'as (April 2002a, 50). The report states that
[t]he outdated, weak and corrupt legal system itself is one of the greatest hurdles in the successful resolution of sectarian crimes. Whoever seeks to pursue a case - whether they be family members of the deceased or even investigating officers - risk their own safety and their effort bears little fruit in the face of the legal juggernaut.
... According to police officials, judges too, fearing retaliation from terrorist networks, [were] reluctant to remand in custody the accused in sectarian violence (The Herald Apr. 2002a, 50).
In 2002, the president of the Pakistan Medical Association, Tipu Sultan, indicated that the issue of the threat of violence targeted at doctors was raised with the government, but it had refused to take the threat seriously until the murder of several doctors in early 2002 (ibid. Apr. 2002c, 49). It is only at that time that the government decided to offer security to any doctor that requested it and implemented other measures (ibid.).
BBC reported in late 2001 that increased security on the streets and at possible target locations, such as mosques, did not prevent the killing of doctors because doctors were easily available to the public, their movement was easily known (i.e., the time they arrived and left medical institutions) and the attackers "target[ted] their victims and plan[ned] their attacks carefully" (3 Sept. 2001).
According to International Religious Freedom Report 2003, there is an atmosphere of religious intolerance in Pakistan that has been promoted by discriminatory legislation (18 Dec. 2003).
In May 2003, ten Shi'a Muslims were acquitted of blasphemy charges related to the removal of posters with verses from the Koran at a Sunni mosque (AP 31 May 2003). The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence (ibid.).
The International Religious Freedom Report 2003 also reported that
...there were incidents in which the Government failed to intervene ... The lack of an adequate government response contributed to an atmosphere of impunity for acts of violence and intimidation against religious groups (International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003).
Commenting on the law and order situation in light of ongoing sectarian violence, one local news article published in 2002 noted that "[t]he intelligence agencies in Pakistan [were] slack in protecting the people but [were] always alert to serve the rulers" (Nawa-i-Waqt 28 Apr. 2002). The article also said that while the government demonstrates a great deal of enthusiasm in the initial aftermath of incidents of sectarian violence, specifically concerning investigations, the outcome is that either no one is arrested or the facts are not disclosed (ibid.). Similarly, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that the police rarely apprehended those responsible for religious violence (22 Feb. 2001).
Tehrik-i-Jafria Pakistan (Tehrik-e-Jafariya-e-Pakistan) (TJP)
The TJP was originally established in 1979 as Tehrik-e Nefaz-e Fiqh-e Jafaria (TNFJ, Movement for the Implementation of Shi'a Law) by Jaffer Hussain (Islam and Islamic Groups 1992, 187; Jane's Intelligence Review Jan. 1999, 34), as an activist group representing the interests of the Shi'a minority in Pakistan (Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002 2002, 844; Statesman 8 July 2001). The organization was formed in response to the Islamic revolution in Iran (Islam and Islamic Groups 1992, 187; Jane's Intelligence Review Jan. 1999, 34; BBC 7 Oct. 2003) and the implementation of the Islamization policies by military dictator Zia ul-Haq, which were tailored for the predominantly Sunni population (ibid.; Dawn 8 Nov. 2000).
In the late 1980s, the TNFJ was renamed the Tehrik-e-Jafaria Pakistan (TJP) and reorganized itself as a political party (Jane's Intelligence Review Jan. 1999, 34; Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002 2002, 844; Europa 2003 2003, 3217).
Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi was elected supreme leader of the TJP following the murder of Arif Hussain al-Hussaini (The Herald Sept. 1998, 48b) in August 1988 in Peshawar (Jane's Intelligence Review Jan. 1999, 35). Naqvi remains the supreme leader of the TJP (ibid., 49; Europa 2003 2003, 3217), although according to the Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002, the TJP is also lead by Hasab Turabi and Syed Muhammad Jawad Hadi (2002, 844).
The TJP has three decision-making bodies: the supreme council, the central council and the Jafria council (The Herald Sept. 1998, 48b).
The organization allegedly received funds from Iran (Dawn 8 Nov. 2000; Jane's Intelligence Review Jan. 1999, 34; Statesman 8 July 2001), while Saudi Arabia and Iraq has reportedly helped fund Sunni groups (Dawn 8 Nov. 2000; Shia News 16 Aug. 2003). According to a 2001 The Statesman article, "[t]he Shia-Sunni conflict has ... taken the form of a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia on Pakistan's soil with a disastrous impact on law and order and social cohesion in Pakistan" (8 July 2001).
The TJP is a member of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a religious six-party alliance (AFP 18 Nov. 2003; BBC 19 Nov. 2003) that is "engaged in a fierce battle with Gen. Musharraf over his un-elected presidency, refusal to quit the army and his self-awarded sweeping powers" (ibid.). The MMA holds 17.5 per cent of the seats in the federal parliament and rules the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) (AFP 22 Feb. 2003; International Religious Freedom Report 2003 18 Dec. 2003, Sec. II). The TJP is also closely acquainted with Sipah-i-Muhammad, an extremist Shi'a organization that according to the Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002, "has been a major participant in Pakistan's ongoing sectarian warfare" (2002, 844). However, TJP leader, Hasan Turbai, said that Shi'as were the victims and not the perpetrators of sectarian violence (BBC 4 Sept. 2001).
On 12 January 2002, the government banned the TJP along with other religious groups (Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002 2002, 884; The Pakistan Newswire 9 Dec. 2002). Prior to and immediately following the announcement of the ban, the police arrested many members and activists of the TJP and of other religious groups as part of the government's campaign to curb sectarian violence (AFP 4 Jan. 2002; ibid. 12 Jan. 2002; ibid. 13 Jan. 2002; The News 13 Jan. 2002).
Following the ban, the TJP renamed itself as Islami Tehrik-i-Pakistan (BBC 19 Nov. 2003; Dawn 20 Nov. 2003; Indian News 4 Jan. 2004). However, on 15 November 2003, the government banned the organization again under its new name (along with five other organizations) (AP 15 Nov. 2003; AFP 15 Nov. 2003; ibid. 26 Nov. 2003). Following the ban, the government closed the offices of the concerned groups and demanded cash assurances from their followers as a promise not to regroup (ibid.). However, the government did not engage in a mass arrest campaign as it did in the 2002 crackdown because it predicted that the courts would demand the release of those arrested (ibid.).
According to Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002, "[t]he TJP has frequently been a target of Sunni violence" (2002, 844). Please see the attached list for information on attacks on TJP members.
In November 2003, Allama Sajid Naqvi, the leader of the TJP was arrested in connection with the murder of Maulana Azam Tariq, leader of the Millat-e-Islamiya, formerly the SSP (Independent 17 Nov. 2003; Periscope Daily Defence News 17 Nov. 2003; Dawn 20 Nov. 2003). The leaders of the TJP described the arrest of Naqvi as part of a government plot against Shi'as (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Agence France Presse (AFP). 3 March 2004. "AFP: Pakistani City Under Curfew After 47 Killed in Attack on Shiite Parade." (FBIS-NES-2004-0303 4 Mar. 2004/Dialog)
_____. 3 January 2004. "AFP: Pakistani Police Arrests Islamic Militants in Crackdown Against Extremists." (FBIS-NES-2004-0103 5 Jan. 2004/Dialog)
_____. 4 December 2003. "AFP: Pakistan Freezes Bank Accounts of 'Only' Three Banned Militant Groups." (FBIS-NES-2003-1204 5 Dec. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 26 November 2003. "AFP: Musharraf Urges Pakistanis to Help Stamp Out Violence Between Muslim Sects." (FBIS-NES-2003-1126 28 Nov. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 18 November 2003. "Pakistan's Religious Parties Reject Government Ban on Militant Outfits." (Dialog)
_____. 15 November 2003. "AFP: Musharraf Bans Resurfacing Militant Groups, Orders Crackdown." (FBIS-NES-2003-1116 17 Nov. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 4 October 2003. "AFP: Musharraf Vows to Not Allow Religious Extremists to Threaten Pakistan Society." (FBIS-NES-2003-1004 6 Oct. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 3 October 2003. "AFP: Six Shiite Muslims Gunned Down in Karachi, Pakistan." (FBIS-NES-2003-1003 6 Oct. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 20 August 2003. "Deux militants islamistes condamnés à mort pour meurtres sectaires." [Accessed 20 Aug. 2003]
_____. 11 July 2003. "AFP: Pakistan Lifts Curfew in Southwestern Quetta After Deadly Mosque Attack." (FBIS-NES-2003-0711 13 July 2003/Dialog)
_____. 5 July 2003. "AFP: Pakistan Government Says Mosque Attack Death Toll Rises to 48." (FBIS-NES-2003-0705 7 July 2003/Dialog)
_____. 8 June 2003. "AFP: 11 Police Trainees Killed in Sectarian Violence in Southwest Pakistan." (FBIS-NES-2003-0608 9 June 2003/Dialog)
_____. 6 June 2003. "AFP: Shiite 'Activist' Gunned Down in Pakistan; Police Arrested Two Suspects." (FBIS-NES-2003-0606 9 June 2003/Dialog)
_____. 2 April 2003. "AFP: Pakistan Arrests Key Outlawed Islamic Militant Group Leader." (FBIS-NES-2003-0402 3 April 2003/Dialog)
_____. 11 March 2003. "AFP: Pakistani Police Arrest Suspect in Mosque Massacre." (FBIS-NES-2003-0311 12 March 2003/Dialog)
_____. 27 February 2003. "AFP: Two Shiite Pakistanis Gunned Down in Karachi." (FBIS-NES-2003-0227 28 Feb. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 23 February 2003. "Violence Erupts in Karachi as Thousands Attend Slain Shiites Funeral." (NEXIS)
_____. 22 February 2003. "AFP: Nine Shiite Muslims Shot Dead Outside Pakistan Mosque." (FBIS-NES-2003-0222 24 February 2003/Dialog)
_____. 25 January 2003. "AFP: Shiite Spiritual Healer Fazal Hussain Shah Murdered in Pakistan." (FBIS-NES-2003-0125 27 Jan. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 30 October 2002. "AFP: Pakistan Releases 'Islamic Militant' Elected to National Parliament." (FBIS-NES-2002-1030 31 Oct. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 18 June 2002. "Three Shot Dead in Pakistan Sectarian Violence." (Dialog)
_____. 27 June 2002. "Shiite Party Activist Shot Dead in Pakistan." (NEXIS)
_____. 1 March 2002. "AFP: Prominent Pakistani Shi'ite Shot as Police Investigate Mosque Massacre." (FBIS-NES-2002-0301 4 Mar. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 26 February 2002. "AFP reports at Least 10 Dead at Shiite Muslim Mosque in Pakistan." (FBIS-NES-2002-0226 27 Feb. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 13 January 2002. "AFP: Pakistani Police Arrest Hundreds of Extremists." (FBIS-NES-2002-0113 14 Jan. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 12 January 2002. "AFP: Pakistani Police Arrest Over 200 Militants Ahead of Musharraf Speech." (FBIS-NES-2002-0112 14 Jan. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 4 January 2002. "Pakistan Detains More Than 300 in Crackdown on Islamic Militants." (FBIS-NES-2002-0104 7 Jan. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 22 May 2001. "AFP: Four Killed, Seven Wounded in Sectarian Clashes in Northwestern Province." (FBIS-NES-2001-0522 23 May 2001/Dialog)
_____. 21 March 2001. "Two Killed, Five Injured in Pakistan Sectarian Clash." (Dialog)
_____. 22 February 2001. "Muslim Leader's Murder Triggers Violence in Pakistan." (FBIS-NES-2001-0222 23 Feb. 2001/Dialog)
_____. 26 April 2000. "Pakistani Shiite Party Leader Shot Dead." (FBIS-NES-2000-0426 27 Apr. 2000/Dialog)
America [New York]. 12 August 2002. Vol. 187, No. 4. David Pinault. "Pakistan's Christians Face Sectarian Violence." (Dialog)
Amnesty International (AI). 26 April 2002. "Pakistan: Cycle of Sectarian Violence Demands Government Action." AI Index: ASA 33/012/2002. <http://web.amnesty.org/library/print/ENGASA330122002> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 15 May 2001. "Pakistan: Insufficient Protection of Religious Minorities." AI Index: ASA 33/008/2001. <http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/engASA330082001?OpenDocument> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. April 2001. "Asia/Pacific Update: Selected Events in Asia/Pacific from January to April 2001." <http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2001.nsf/regASA/regASA?OpenDocument> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
Associated Press (AP). 23 December 2003. "Suspected Member of Banned Shiite Muslim Group Arrested in Karachi." (Dialog)
_____. 15 November 2003. Zarar Khan. "Members of Banned Militant Group Sentenced for Terrorist Attack in Pakistan." (Dialog)
_____. 3 November 2003. "Police Arrest Militant Who Allegedly Killed Several Shiites in Pakistan." (Dialog)
_____. 10 October 2003. Khalid Tanveer. "Security Tight Across Pakistan, Authorities Keep Wary Eye on Potential Violence." (Dialog)
_____. 6 June 2003. "Gunmen Kill Shiite Muslim in Southwestern Pakistan." (NEXIS)
_____. 31 May 2003. "Pakistan Court Orders Release of 10 Minority Shiites in Blasphemy Case." (NEXIS)
_____. 26 April 2003. Afzal Nadeem. "Pakistan Court Sentences Three Islamic Militants Death for Killing Minority." (NEXIS)
_____. 13 March 2003. Sadaqat Jan. "Security Beefed Up In Pakistan to Prevent Sectarian Violence During Muharram Mourning Period." (NEXIS)
_____. 25 February 2003. Riaz Khan. "Violence Erupts in Northern Pakistan After Mourners Bury Victims of Mosque Killing." (NEXIS)
_____. 22 February 2003. "Deaths in Recent Violence Between Sunni, Shiite Muslim Sects in Pakistan." (NEXIS)
_____. 11 March 2002. "Gunmen Kill Two Shiite Muslims in Eastern Punjab Province." (NEXIS)
_____. 21 February 2002. "Gunmen Kill Five Shiite Muslims in Remote Village of Eastern Punjab Province." (NEXIS)
_____. 6 February 2001. "Police Arrest 15 Shiite Muslim Leaders to Prevent Violence." (Dialog)
Australian Financial Review. 6 March 2004. "Bloody Attacks on Shiites Aimed at Inciting Civil War." (Dialog)
BBC. 5 March 2004. "Curfew Eased After Quetta Attack." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3535939.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 3 March 2004. "Pakistan Probes Assault on Shias." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3527697.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004
_____. 2 March 2004. "Carnage in Pakistan Shia Attack." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3524841.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 28 February 2004. "Bomber Targets Pakistan Mosque." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3496180.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 19 November 2003. "Pakistan Religious Alliance Defies Ban on Renamed Groups." (Dialog)
_____. 22 October 2003. "Pakistani 'Sunnie Militants' Held." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3205455.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 7 October 2003. "Pakistan's Militant Islamic Groups." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3170970.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 6 October 2003. "Pakistan'shia-Sunni Divide." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3045122.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 3 October 2003. "Seven Die in Pakistan Bus Attack." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3160992.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 19 August 2003. "Death Sentences For Shia Killings." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3165079.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 7 July 2003. "Police Reassigned After Quetta Killings." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3050204.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 23 June 2003. "Pakistan Arrests Five 'Militants'." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3014230.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 8 June 2003. "Police Massacre in Pakistan." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2973288.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 2 April 2003. "Pakistan Arrests Militant Suspect." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2909511.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 14 March 2003. "Girl Killed in Muharram Clash." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2849917.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 March 2003. "Man Held Over Shia Killings." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2844635.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 23 February 2003. "Pakistani Shias Gunned Down." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2790493.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 23 August 2002. Shahid Malik. "Pakistan Mosque Blast Suspects Held." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2212386.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 18 June 2002. "Pakistan Shias Shot Dead." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2051364.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 26 April 2002. "Pakistan Mosque Blast Kills 12." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1952113.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 8 April 2002. "Pakistan Doctors in Protest Strike." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1917313.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 25 March 2002. "Tight Security for Shia Processions." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1892175.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 March 2002. "Six Shias Killed in Pakistan." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1867787.stm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
_____. 27 February 2002. "Pakistan Police Arrest Mosque Attack Suspects." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1843824.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 January 2002. "Musharraf Declares War on Extremism." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1756965.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 4 October 2001. "Karachi Mosque Killing Stuns Shias." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1579860.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 September 2001. Idrees Bakhtiar. "Two Shias Killed in Karachi." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1540378.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 4 September 2001. "Karachi Police Arrest Extremists." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1524956.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 3 September 2001. Susannah Price. "Battling Karachi's Sectarian Attackers." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1522773.stm> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 2 September 2001. "Pakistani Businessman Killed in Karachi." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1520869.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 23 August 2001. "Pakistan Police Free Islamic Activists." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1505894.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 30 July 2001. "Pakistani Shia Muslims Shot Dead." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1464131.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 5 March 2001. "Strike Follows Pakistan Shooting." <http://www.asyl.net/Magazin/Docs/docs-19/M-1/0068pak.htm> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 4 March 2001. "Twelve Killed in Pakistan Shooting." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1201292.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 2 March 2001. "Thirteen Gunned Down in Pakistan." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1196769.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 28 February 2001. "Pakistan Executes Sunni Activist." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1193731.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 22 February 2001. "Shia Local Leader Shot in Punjab." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1183860.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 19 February 2001. "More Sectarian Violence in Pakistan." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1178100.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 6 February 2001. "Pakistan Shia Leaders Killed." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1155543.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 25 January 2001. "Shia Leader Killed in Pakistan." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1136257.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 20 January 2001. "Shia Scholar Killed." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1127631.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 15 May 2000. "Prominent Shiite Shot Dead in Karachi." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/749336.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 26 April 2000. "Leading Pakistani Shiite Shot Dead." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/726886.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 13 April 2000. "Pakistan Steps Up Security." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/711790.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 April 2000a "Eleven Killed in Pakistan Attack." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/710262.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 12 April 2000b. "Gunmen Attack Pakistan Mosque." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/710303.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 7 April 2000. "Pakistan Shia Leader Shot Dead." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/705175.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 2 February 2000. Shahid Malik. "Dead Penalty for Shia Killers." <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/628433.stm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
Dawn [Karachi]. 11 February 2004. "Hearing of Pearle Case Adjourned." <http://www.dawn.com/2004/02/11/nat6.htm> [Accessed 30 Apr. 2004]
_____. 20 November 2003. Syed Irfan Raza. "Banned Outfit Pledges to Continue Working." <http://www.dawn.com> [Accessed 21 Nov. 2003]
_____. 27 April 2003. "Akram Lahori Sentenced to Death." <http://www.dawn.com/2003/04/27/top8.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 18 May 2002. "Two SSP Men Get Life for Attack on Imambargah."<http://www.dawn.com/2002/05/18/nat10.htm> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 16 February 2002. "End to Sectarian Killings Demanded." <http://www.dawn.com/2002/02/16/nat7.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 3 March 2002. Ardeshir Cowasjee. "Brutal Fanatics." <http://www.dawn.com/weekly/cowas/20020303.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 28 June 2001. "Top Shia Leader Gunned Down." <http://www.dawn.com/2001/06/28/nat10.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 23 May 2001. "Dera Ismail Khan: Sectairan Clash Claims Four Lives." <http://www.dawn.com/2001/05/23/local24.htm> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 8 November 2000. Ashfak Bokhari. "When Jihadis Return Home." <http://www.dawn.com/2000/11/08/op.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 16 May 2000. "Lawyer Shot Dead in Karachi." <http://www.dawn.com/2000/05/16/top14.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
The Europa World Year Book 2003. 2003. Vol. II. International Press Publications, Markham.
Financial Times [London]. 19 March 2002. Farhan Bokhari. "Asia-Pacific: Security Crisis Sets Off All Pakistan's Alarm Bells: Old Divides, Widened After September 11, Have Intensified With a Church Attack and Threats to Shias, Writes Farhan Bokhari." (Dialog)
_____. 6 October 2001. Farhan Bokhari. "Fight Against Terror Politics: Islamabad Steps Up Surveillance Over Sunni Militants Among Afghan Refugees Sectarian Killings." (Dialog)
Freedom House. 2003. "Pakistan." Freedom in the World 2003. <http://www.freedomhouse.org/research/freeworld/2003/countryratings/pakistan.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
_____. 20 March 2002. "Freedom House Calls on Pakistani President to Protect Religious Minorities." <http://www.freedomhouse.org/religion/news/bn2002/bn-2002-03-20.htm> [Accessed 15 Mar. 2004]
Global News Wire. 2 January 2002. "Terrorism, Bomb Blasts, Traffic Mishaps Claimed Over 516 Lives in Karachi in 2001." (NEXIS)
The Herald [Karachi]. August 2003. Azizullah Khan. "The Guessing Game."
_____. April 2002a. Zahra Chughtai. "Innocence Lost."
_____. April 2002b. Hussain Askari. "Death Stalks the Lifesaver."
_____. April 2002c. "'We Are Fast Approaching a Situation Where You Will Hardly Find A Medical Specialist in the Country.'"
_____. September 1998. Zaigham Khan. "Divided They Stand."
Independent [London]. 17 November 2003. "Shia Leader Held in Assassination Inquiry." (Dialog)
Indian News. 4 January 2004. "Pak-Accounts." (Dialog)
International Religious Freedom Report 2003. 18 December 2003. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24473.htm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
International Religious Freedom Report 2002. 7 October 2002. United States Department of State. Washington, DC. <http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14026.htm> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
Islam and Islamic Groups: A Worldwide Reference Guide.1992. Edited by Farzana Shaikh. New York: Longman Current Affairs.
Jane's Intelligence Review. January 1999. Anthony Davis. "Pakistan: State of Unrest."
Knight Ridder [Washington]. 21 January 2002. Michael Dorgan. "Pakistan's Future May Depend on Ability to Quash Religious Militants." (NEXIS)
Minority Rights Group International (MRG). August 2002. Iftikhar H. Malik. Religious Minorities in Pakistan. <http://www.minorityrights.org/admin/Download/Pdf/MRGPakistanReport.pdf> [Accessed 12 Mar. 2004]
Nawa-i-Waqt [Rawalpindi, in Urdu]. 28 April 2002. "Pakistan Government Should Ensure Law and Order; Recent Killings." (FBIS-NES-2002-0429 30 Apr. 2002/Dialog)
The News [Islamabad]. 8 March 2004. "Police Detain 30 in Connection With 2 Mar Attack on Shiite Mourners in Quetta." (FBIS-NES-2004-0308 9 Mar. 2004/Dialog)
_____. 4 March 2004. Muhammad Ejaz Khan. "Pakistan: Quetta Under Curfew After Attack on Mourners, 1 Assailant Arrested." (FBIS-NES-2004-0304 5 Mar. 2004/Dialog)
_____. 12 July 2003. "Pakistan: Shia Community Protests Against Quetta Killings." (FBIS-NES-2003-0712 13 July 2003/Dialog)
_____. 30 October 2003. "Pakistan: Govt Fears Attacks on Shiite Bureaucrats, Leaders, Increases Security." (FBIS-NES-2003-1030 31 Oct. 2003/Dialog)
_____. 5 July 2003. "Pakistan: Musharraf Vows Stern Action Against Elements Involved in Quetta Attack." (FBIS-WEU-2003-0705 7 July 2003/Dialog)
_____. 1 June 2003. "Pakistan: Shia Scholar Shot, Injured by Unidentified Assailants." (FBIS-NES-2003-0601 2 June 2003/Dialog)
_____. 18 November 2002. "Pakistan: New Law Authorizes Police to Detain Terror Suspects Up to One Year." (FBIS-NES-2002-1118 19 Nov. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 18 March 2002. Behroz Khan. "Pakistan: Maulana Fazlur Rehman Released After Six Months of Detention." (FBIS-NES-2002-0318 19 Mar. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 9 March 2002. "Pakistan: Hundreds of Shiites Demonstrate in Multan After Sectarian Killing." (FBIS-NES-2002-0309 11 Mar. 2002/Dialog)
_____. 13 January 2002. Jaffer Rizvi. "Pakistan: Naiton-Wide Crackdown on Extremist Organizations, Members Arrested." (FBIS-NES-2002-0113 14 Jan. 2002/Dialog)
New York Times. 7 July 2003. "Pakistan Holds 19 Suspects in Mosque Raid." (Dialog)
_____. 23 February 2003. Raymond Bonner. "Gunmen Kill 7 Shiite Worshippers in Pakistan." (NEXIS)
Observer. 23 February 2003. "World in Brief: Shias Shot in Karachi." (Dialog)
Pakistan [Islamabad, in Urdu]. 9 March 2004. Shahid Malik. "Paksitan: Four Arrested for Involvement in Attacks on Musharraf, Shiite Mosque." (10 Mar. 2004/Dialog)
The Pakistan Newswire. 9 December 2002. "Human Rights Analysis of Freedom of Religion in Pakistan." (NEXIS)
Pakistan Press International (PPI). 9 December 2002. "Human Rights Analysis of Two Major Sects in Pakistan." (Dialog)
Periscope Daily Defense News. 17 November 2003. "Pakistan - Government Bans 3 Militant Groups." (Dialog)
Political Handbook of the World: 2000-2002. 2002. Edited by Arthur S. Banks, Thomas C. Muller and William R. Overstreet. Markham: International Press Publications.
Shia News. 16 August 2003. Ali Nawaz Janjua. "Another Shia Killed in Pakistan." <http://www.shianews.com/hi/asia/news_id/0001763.php> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 1 October 2002. "Shia Teacher Shot Dead by Wahabi Terrorists in Pakistan." <http://www.shianews.com/hi/asia/news_id/0001691.php> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 8 May 2002. Ali Zia. "Shia Muslim Martyred by Wahabis in Karachi, Pakistan." <http://www.shianews.com/hi/asia/news_id/0001632.php> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 5 September 2001. Rai Muzammal Hussain. "Terrorism Continues in Pakistan, Shias Are Killed by Sipah Sahaba Daily." <http://www.shianews.com/hi/asia/news_id/0001254.php> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
_____. 10 January 2002. Syed Assad Abbas. "Shia Official Shot Dead in Pakistan by Wahabis." <http://www.shianews.com/hi/asia/news_id/0001558.php> [Accessed 19 Mar. 2004]
Statesman [Calcutta, India]. 15 January 2002. "Pak Militants Regroup: 1,600 Arrested." (Dialog)
_____. 8 July 2001. Sankar Sen. "Jihadi Monster: A Threat to the Entire Region." (Dialog)
United Press International (UPI). 6 July 2003. "Pakistan Arrests 15 Sunni Suspects." (Dialog)
Xinhua. 5 July 2003. Zhang Ning. "Xinhua 'Roundup': 'Bloody Friday' Shocks Pakistan." (FBIS-CHI-2003-0707- 8 July 2003/Dialog)
Additional Sources Consulted
The Herald (Jan. 2002 - Feb. 2004)
Political Parties of the World 2002
Internet sites, including: European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Attachment
"Violence Against Shi'as in Pakistan." Information compiled by the Research Directorate from news reports.