In an attack to a bus carrying about 70 Shia Ismaili passengers tens were killed and more than ten seriously wounded in Pakistan.
Ismaili National Council, a community group that represents the Ismaili branch of Shia in Pakistan, placed the toll at least 41 killed but some sources reported up to 47 death.
According to passengers the bus was attacked by masked armed men near Safura Goth area. Six terrorists came on three motorcycles; they entered the bus and began firing indiscriminately. They used 9mm pistols and all those killed and injured were hit by the 9mm pistols.
Anti-Shia attacks have been increasing in recent years in Karachi and also in the southwestern city of Quetta, the northwestern area of Parachinar and the far northeastern town of Gilgit. Historically Shia Twelvers have been targeted in Pakistan and now Shia Ismaili feel the threat of insecurity in this country. Although Pakistani minorities have faced many violations throughout the history this country is not listed among Countries of Particular Concerns under International Freedom Act. Shia Rights Watch have been pressuring US government to add Pakistan to this list
