Sectarianism in Pakistan international conspiracy, says Imran Khan in Parachinar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan said sectarianism in Pakistan is an international conspiracy, according to civil society activist Jibran Nasir’s tweet.

However, Nasir called out Imran for not mentioning ‘local players’ involved in Parachinar’s sectarian violence.

.@ImranKhanPTI says sectarinism in Pakistan is an international conspiracy. Talks of unity. Does not mention local players #Parachinar pic.twitter.com/lOfYXoKxxF

— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) June 30, 2017

Thousands of people began a sit-in at Shaheed Park, Parachinar, soon after two bombs went off on Friday evening, as shoppers were out buying supplies in preparation for the breaking of the fast on one of the last days of the holy month of Ramazan. At least 75 people were killed and many more wounded when the bombs ripped through the busy marketplace crowded with shoppers.

Meanwhile, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa announced on Friday a ‘safe city project’ for Parachinar, a week after twin blasts killed more than 70 people in the tribal area bordering Afghanistan. Regarding the demands of the protesters, Bajwa said: “Some of their demands were political and others were regarding security. The army chief has ordered to immediately address the security demands.”

Earlier, Gen Qamar reached Parachinar to visit victims of twin blasts, the military’s media wing said. During his visit, the Army chief was briefed about the security situation and updated on the Parachinar incident.

Earlier on Tuesday, the army chief’s visit to Parachinar was postponed because of bad weather. The military’s media wing had issued a statement that the army chief would spend the second day of Eidul Fitr in Parachinar, where two blasts killed 72 people a few days ago and protests against “government apathy” over the terrorist attack are still underway. The ISPR said Gen Bajwa’s visit had been postponed as his helicopter was unable to reach the location “due to bad weather”. The army chief will “go immediately” when the weather conditions are favourable, it had added. –SAMAA/ APP