INCIDENTS of sectarian violence take place in many areas and cities of Pakistan but the most affected areas are: Karachi (the metropolitan city of Pakistan), Quetta (capital of Balochistan) and Hangu and Kurram Agency (Fata) and the northern areas of Pakistan.

According to a report, this year so far 341 people have been killed and 394 got injured in sectarian conflicts. The sectarian killing is carried out by banned groups of the two sects.

These groups not only target innocent citizens but also get involved in other criminal activities like bank robberies and abduction of businessmen for fulfilling their financial needs.

Although Gen Musharraf banned sectarian groups in 2002, this failed to put an end to sectarian violence.

Although Islam is the religion of peace and brotherhood, the ‘so-called’ Islamic scholars propagate the teachings of Islam in their own styles. They create religious disharmony by delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches which result in armed conflicts and bloodshed.

The core reason behind sectarian violence is irresponsible attitude of scholars. Strict measures need to be taken and more restrictive laws need to be made to curb this social problem.

Misuse of loudspeakers and publication of inflammatory pamphlets must be prohibited. Biased scholars need to be discouraged.

Ideological differences always exist but it doesn’t mean that one starts killing the citizens.

Strict security measures, effective intelligence reporting, indiscriminate and strict action against those involved in sectarian violence will help to improve the situation.

TARIQ RAHIM                         Karachi