RAWALPINDI: Even to someone who has lived in Chittian Hattian all their life, the neighbourhood was unrecognisable on Saturday morning. The hazy day seemed to reflect the gloomy mood of the area and from the confines of the houses packed next to each other, the sounds of silent sobbing betrayed the tragedy of what had befallen this quiet neighbourhood the night before.

Friday’s deadly attack claimed the lives of two members of the same family, and deprived the community of four of its best sons and community activists.

Haider Kazmi, the father of a one-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter, was a regional manager at a local private bank. He was also the nephew of Ibne Rizvi – who is the central leader of PPP dissident group led by Naheed Khan.

In the aftermath of the Ashura violence of 2013, the relative peace of the garrison city has been shattered by a spate of attacks and targeted sectarian killings. While Sunnis have also been targeted in such cases, the Shia community has borne the brunt of the losses. Friday’s bombing of Imambargah Abu Rizvia is a frightening wakeup call for the security apparatus, which seems to be oblivious to the simmering tensions.

Haider had come to his grandfather’s house for the Milad ceremony, but ended up saving many other lives when he intercepted a suspicious looking man on a motorcycle moments before the explosion ripped through the congregation.

“Haider was known for finishing his work early. Now that he’s gone, we realise that he was always in a hurry,” said Ibne Rizvi, with his eyes bloodshot and tears streaming down his cheeks.

“We already lost so many people in these attacks; four new martyrs have been added to the list. Police are investigating but we don’t know whether the killers and conspirators will ever be arrested or not,” he said.

The family also lost another son in Ali Mehdi Zaidi. Ali and Haider were cousins, and Ali also had a one-year-old son. Ali’s father was also among those wounded in the attack, and is currently said to be in critical condition at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

Qasim Shah, the custodian of the Imambargah Master Jabbar, located two streets down from Imambargah Abu Muhammad Rizvia, also perished in Friday’s bombing. He was attending the Milad as per family tradition.

Javed Zaidi was the most prominent social worker of his community. Known and loved by all in the neighbourhood, he ran a private supply firm. “He was always ready to help the poor and his neighbours. He was a thorough gentleman and a dedicated social worker,” said Shujaat Haider Naqvi, one of Javed Zaidi’s neighbours.

“People would always invite Javed to their functions and he helped everyone without caring for their caste, sect or creed,” said Attiqueur Rehman, a shopkeeper from the street where Javed lived.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2015

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