Quetta attack condemned

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned Friday’s attack in Quetta, which has killed at least 20 people and injured about 48 others.

The attack targeted the city’s Hazara community, who live in ‘protected enclaves’ and – given the frequency of such attacks last year – are now accompanied by a police escort when venturing out to buy food and supplies.

The HRCP's sources in Quetta said that, in addition to other civilians, eight Hazara and one Frontier Constabulary personnel were killed in the attack. In a statement issued Friday, the HRCP said, “The fact that this incident occurred in a vegetable market that is frequented by the Hazara indicates that they remain consistently vulnerable, despite efforts to help ensure their right to life and security.”

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demanded the government ensure that law enforcement agencies in Balochistan – who have themselves, lost personnel in this and similar attacks – prioritise bringing the perpetrators to justice.