(WASHINGTON, DC) – Shia Rights Watch Advocates for Shia Muslims in Parachinar and Peshawar with Pakistani Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh
Shia Rights Watch’s Executive Director, Mustafa Akhwand, met with the Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, to discuss the ongoing violence and unrest in Parachinar and Peshawar. During the meeting, Akhwand presented a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, highlighting the pressing concerns of the Shia Muslim community and the urgent need for protective measures.
The dialogue focused on the escalating violence targeting Shia Muslims, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a pervasive sense of insecurity. Akhwand emphasized the need for immediate action to address these challenges, including enhanced security measures, victim support programs, and recognition of the sectarian nature of the attacks. The ambassador listened attentively to the concerns and acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
The letter delivered by Shia Rights Watch outlined actionable recommendations to ensure the safety and dignity of Shia communities. These included increasing security presence in vulnerable areas, ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence through impartial investigations, reopening critical travel routes, and providing humanitarian aid to affected families. Additionally, the letter underscored the importance of promoting dialogue between communities to foster coexistence and mutual respect.
“Parachinar and Peshawar represent vibrant communities that have faced relentless challenges. These incidents of violence are not only an affront to human rights but also to the principles of unity and diversity that Pakistan was built upon,” said Mustafa Akhwand. “We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively to bring peace to these regions and restore hope to the affected families.”
The meeting also included prominent community representatives, including Faqir Naqvi and Waseem Naqvi (Imam Ali Center), Maulana Sulaiman Hasan (Imam al-Asr Masjid), and Haider Zaidi (Muhammadia Center). The delegation collectively stressed the necessity of high-level interventions to protect vulnerable populations and called for long-term strategies to address the root causes of sectarian violence.
In addition to engaging the Pakistani government, Shia Rights Watch has reached out to the U.S. administration, urging them to apply diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to implement meaningful reforms. Shia Rights Watch remains committed to advocating for sustainable solutions to ensure the safety, dignity, and security of Shia Muslims in Pakistan and beyond.
The ambassador assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be conveyed to key decision-makers in Pakistan and pledged to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.