Missions Box | USCIRF Says Hazara Shi’a Scapegoated in Pakistan Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed its concern over reports of the provincial government of Balochistan, Pakistan targeting Hazara Shi’a for the spread of COVID-19 amid the Coronavirus lockdown.

USCIRF expressed its concern over reports in Pakistan targeting Hazara Shi’a for the spread of COVID-19 amid the Coronavirus lockdown.“We are troubled that government officials in Balochistan are scapegoating the already vulnerable and marginalized Hazara Shi’a community for this public health crisis,” stated USCIRF Commissioner Anurima Bhargava.

“This virus does not recognize religion, ethnicity, or border and should not be used as an excuse to discriminate against a single community.”

In the provincial capital Quetta, the government completely sealed off two Hazara areas—Hazara Town and Marriabad—as part of the lockdown in the city; forbade government employees from traveling into Hazara neighborhoods; and reportedly forced Hazara policemen to go on leave under suspicion they are infected by relatives.

 

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