UNDERSTANDING THE AGONIES OF ETHNIC HAZARAS NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PAKISTAN UNDERSTANDING THE AGONIES OF ETHNIC HAZARAS National Commission for Human Rights Pakistan Published February -2018 Title: Understanding the agonies of ethnic Hazaras Pakistan All rights reserved. Any part of the publication may be reproduced or translated by duly acknowledging the source. Printed in Pakistan by Graphics Point. Islamabad Email:
[email protected] Published by National Commission for Human Rights 5th Floor Evacuee Trust Complex, Agha Khan Road, Islamabad Phone: 051-9216771 Fax: 051-9216771 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: nchr.org.pk 4 National Commission for Human Rights UNDERSTANDING THE AGONIES OF ETHNIC HAZARAS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN The past two decades of Pakistan’s history have been plagued by the scourge of violent religious extrem- ism. Prolonged, unchecked dogmatic bigotry has led to a sharp increase in sectarian violence in Pakistan, particularly between Shia and Sunni sects. The greatest burden of sectarianism is borne by the Shia Hazara community of Balochistan – the total population of which is estimated to be approximately between 0.4 to 0.5 million people. Hazaras have consistently been targeted by terrorists and religious fanatics since 1999 through suicide bombings and targeted killings, with more than 2,000 having reportedly been killed in the last 14 years. Hazaras are hardworking and talented people, they have been excelling in sports and scholar- ships. Many of them have worked as important civil servant contributing towards the welfare of all people. Consequently, Hazaras are of the view that they are living as prisoners in Quetta.