Muharram begins this year amidst a spike in terrorist attacks in the country, particularly in its districts bordering Afghanistan. There is a perception that the situation in Afghanistan resulting from the withdrawal of the US and Nato troops has created favourable conditions for terrorist networks to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Only days before the beginning of Muharram, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department shot dead three alleged terrorists during a shootout in an intelligence-based operation in the vicinity of Lahore. The terrorists had reportedly arrived from Afghanistan for the express purpose of targeting the Muharram gatherings and processions.
The terrorist groups known for targeting the Shia community include Sipah-e-Sahaba, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Jundallah, which is an affiliates of the IS. They have set up headquarters on the Afghan side of the Durand Line from where they conduct attacks on the Shia community both inside Afghanistan and Pakistan. The kidnapping and killing of 11 Shia coalminers early this year in Balochistan was one of the most horrendous acts of sectarian terrorism. Unless the federal and provincial governments are alert the sectarian terrorists can play havoc.
The other danger that needs to be averted is a further spread of coronavirus during Muharram gatherings and processions. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the spread of coronavirus during the month. The federal and provincial governments have to discuss these SOPs with the Shia community leaders and seek their active support for implementation of those measures. The Sindh administration has reportedly already undertaken the exercise.
The Islamabad administration has imposed a ban on the entry of several clerics who were known for spreading communal hatred while Army and police units have held flag marches in the capital. The KP government has announced measures in cities with a history of sectarian conflict. In Haripur district, which has hosted Afghan refugees in large numbers, the district administration has decided to restrict them to their camps for the 10 days of Muharram. While Punjab government has announced Ashura holidays and the suspension of mobile phone services on the 10thof Muharram, but has yet to spell out other measures to ensure peace during the Ashura.
