HRCP Condemns Armed Attack on Qawwals in Quetta, Calls for Immediate Investigation

Islamabad:The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the armed attack on qawwals in Quetta and called for an immediate investigation into the incident. In a statement released by HRCP, the commission expressed its solidarity with the families affected by the tragic attack. The commission condemned such cowardly acts of violence, emphasizing that they do not represent any legitimate cause.

The attack, which took place near Quetta on a passenger coach, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 13 others injured. The qawwals were on their way to a performance when the assault occurred. Among the deceased were Ahmed Sabri and his nephew, Raza Sabri, who were prominent members of the qawwali group.

One of the survivors, Qawwal Nadeem Sabri, recounted that the group was en route to a qawwali event when the attack took place. He questioned, “We are qawwals, what was our fault in this?” The coach was carrying 17 members of the qawwali group at the time of the incident.

The HRCP expressed deep concern over the increasing instances of violence targeting innocent people, particularly those involved in the cultural and artistic heritage of Pakistan, and reiterated the need for greater protection for such individuals and communities. The commission urged the government to ensure that those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice and called for the safety and security of cultural figures across the country.