Senate adopts unanimous resolution condemning Karachi attack
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ISLAMABAD: The Senate resumed proceedings on Wednesday and adopted a unanimous resolution condemning a terrorist attack targeting the Ismaili community in Karachi today.
The Senate suspended routine proceedings to take up discussion of the attack and the session opened with offering of prayers for the deceased.
PPP Senator Karim Khawaja moved a motion to discuss the situation, which the house adopted.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement Senator Tahir Mashadi strongly condemned the attack, calling the attackers 'inhuman'. Khawaja also condemned the attack and called for strong action against the culprits responsible for the deaths of 43 members of the Ismaili community.
MQM senators Mian Atique and Khushbakht Shujaat commented on the security situation in Karachi ─ the former saying that nothing has been done to improve security in Karachi, while the latter was of the view that politicisation of the Karachi police has led to a worsening of the law and order situation in the city.
The Sindh government, along with the MQM and the Tahafuz-e-Azadari Council called for Thursday to be observed as a day of mourning, requesting the suspension of business and educational activities, and public transport.
Read more: Sindh govt announces day of mourning in Karachi for Ismaili community
At least 43 people were killed and 13 others wounded on Wednesday when armed men opened fire inside a bus carrying members of the Ismaili community near Safoora Chowk in Karachi.
Sindh Police Inspector General Ghulam Haider Jamali said that 60 people were on board the bus when six gunmen entered and executed 43 passengers.
Read more: 43 killed in attack on bus carrying Ismailis in Karachi
The Ismailis in Pakistan are a peaceful, progressive and largely apolitical community predominantly working in the health and education sectors.
In the past there has been anti-Ismaili violence in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, mostly in the form of communal flare-ups.
Ismailis are known for their progressive Islamic views. Their spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan is a globally renowned philanthropist and business magnate.
Read more: Aga Khan shocked by attack on Ismailis
