Sectarian Violence And Extremist Crime Case Studies
Sectarian violence and extremist crimes have been a persistent challenge in Pakistan, fueled by sectarian intolerance, extremist ideologies, and militant networks. The legal framework to address such crimes includes:
Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860 – Sections 6 (waging war), 7 (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 302A, 307 (attempt to murder), 295–298 (blasphemy-related), and 324–337 (injury)
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 – For terrorism-related acts, including sectarian killings, bombings, and armed attacks
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) – For investigation and trial
Explosives Act, 1884 – For handling illegal weapons or bomb attacks
Below is a detailed discussion of five landmark sectarian violence and extremist crime cases in Pakistan.
1. Ashura Bombing in Quetta (2013)
Background:
A suicide bombing targeted Shia Muslims during the Ashura procession in Quetta, Balochistan, killing over 50 people and injuring hundreds.
Legal Issues:
Attack was classified under terrorism (ATA) and murder (PPC Section 302).
The perpetrators were accused of sectarian violence with intent to incite fear among a specific religious group.
Investigation and Prosecution:
Security forces traced the attack to Sunni extremist militant groups operating from Afghanistan and inside Balochistan.
Digital forensics, phone intercepts, and witness testimonies were collected.
Court Ruling:
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) convicted 3 main perpetrators and sentenced them to death under ATA Section 6.
Additional accomplices received long-term imprisonment and fines.
Impact:
Established judicial precedent that sectarian-motivated bombings constitute terrorism.
Highlighted the need for targeted intelligence and preventive measures during religious gatherings.
2. Lal Masjid Operation and Subsequent Violence (2007)
Background:
The Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad became a center for Sunni extremist activity, leading to an armed confrontation with security forces after militants attacked government installations.
Legal Issues:
Militants were charged under ATA for terrorism and PPC Sections 6 and 7 for waging war against the state.
Crimes included kidnapping, armed assault, and incitement of sectarian violence.
Investigation and Prosecution:
Evidence included weapons caches, video recordings, and confessions of captured militants.
The case involved coordination between police, military, and intelligence agencies.
Court Ruling:
The Islamabad ATC convicted 6 key leaders and sentenced them to death or life imprisonment.
The Court emphasized that sectarian extremism threatening public order falls squarely under ATA.
Impact:
Reinforced legal recognition of sectarian militancy as terrorism.
Encouraged strict monitoring of religious seminaries promoting extremism.
3. Karachi Targeted Killings of Hazara Community (2010–2013)
Background:
Over several years, Hazaras, a Shia minority in Karachi, faced systematic killings by extremist outfits.
Legal Issues:
The attacks were prosecuted under ATA Sections 6, 7, and PPC Section 302.
Investigators had to establish sectarian motivation and organizational links to extremist groups.
Investigation and Prosecution:
Police and FIA collected forensic evidence, intercepted communications, and witness statements.
Key suspects were linked to banned militant organizations via financial and operational networks.
Court Ruling:
Karachi ATCs convicted multiple gang members and sentenced them to death or life imprisonment.
The Court noted that targeting a community based on religious identity is both terrorism and sectarian crime.
Impact:
Judicial precedent emphasized protection of minority communities under ATA.
Strengthened law enforcement initiatives for community policing and intelligence gathering in Karachi.
4. Peshawar Church Bombing (2013)
Background:
A suicide bombing targeted a church in Peshawar, killing 85 people and injuring over 120. The attack was carried out by a Taliban-affiliated group.
Legal Issues:
Charges included terrorism (ATA), murder (PPC 302), and sectarian targeting.
The act involved cross-border militant coordination, highlighting organized extremism.
Investigation and Prosecution:
Evidence was gathered from explosive residues, suicide bomber identification, and militant communication intercepts.
The case required collaboration between FIA, ATC, and military intelligence.
Court Ruling:
The ATC sentenced 4 accused to death under ATA, and accomplices received life imprisonment.
The court highlighted the sectarian nature of violence against religious minorities.
Impact:
Reinforced that attacks on religious minorities constitute terrorism and sectarian crime simultaneously.
Set a benchmark for proactive protection of places of worship.
5. Mastung Shia Hazara Attack (2017)
Background:
A suicide blast killed 28 Hazaras in Mastung, Balochistan.
Legal Issues:
ATA charges for sectarian terrorism and PPC Sections 302, 324 (injury).
Investigators had to prove intent to target a religious minority for sectarian motives.
Investigation and Prosecution:
CCTV footage, mobile communications, and confessions were used to track Taliban-linked militants.
FIA and Balochistan Police coordinated the investigation.
Court Ruling:
Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced 2 main attackers to death and several accomplices to life imprisonment.
The Court stressed deterrence against sectarian-motivated attacks.
Impact:
Reinforced judicial zero-tolerance approach to sectarian terrorism.
Strengthened the legal interpretation that attacks on minority communities are terrorist acts.
6. Quetta Suicide Bombing Targeting Police (2016)
Background:
Suicide bombers attacked a police recruitment center in Quetta, killing over 60 recruits and injuring many. The attack was linked to extremist Sunni militants with sectarian motives.
Legal Issues:
ATA charges for mass murder, terrorism, and sectarian targeting.
PPC Sections 302, 324, 326 for injury and loss of life.
Investigation and Prosecution:
Explosive forensics, DNA from the suicide bombers, and militant group communications were analyzed.
Security agencies arrested operational and logistical facilitators.
Court Ruling:
Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced the main bombers to death and confiscated accomplices’ assets.
Court recognized sectarian violence aimed at state institutions as aggravated terrorism.
Impact:
Set precedent for treating attacks on public institutions with sectarian motives as terrorism.
Encouraged enhanced protection measures for recruitment centers and state facilities.
Judicial Principles from Sectarian and Extremist Crime Cases
Sectarian motivation aggravates penalties: Courts treat attacks on religious or sectarian communities as aggravated terrorism.
ATA as primary enforcement tool: Anti-Terrorism Act prosecutions are favored for speedy trials and preventive measures.
Cross-agency coordination: FIA, police, and intelligence agencies are essential for evidence collection.
Death penalty and life imprisonment: Courts frequently apply maximum punishments for sectarian attacks.
Preventive jurisprudence: Courts often emphasize community protection, proactive policing, and monitoring of militant networks.
These cases collectively show that sectarian violence in Pakistan is treated as terrorism and criminal activity simultaneously, and courts have consistently applied ATA and PPC provisions to ensure accountability, deterrence, and protection of vulnerable communities.
RELATED Blog
comments