Won't let enemy fan sectarianism in country, says COAS
Residents of Parachinar are holding a sit-in against the government following Friday's deadly blasts
June 27, 2017
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa said on Tuesday that they will not allow the enemy's plans to use terrorism as a tool for fanning sectarianism in the country to succeed.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release that the army chief would be spending the second day of Eid in Parachinar, however, ISPR Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor informed later that the army chief could not travel to Kurram Agency owing to inclement weather.
"Army authorities are in communication with Parachinar victims' families and local tribal leaders. The army chief will go immediately [to Parachinar] on clearance of weather," said Maj Gen Ghafoor.
We all are united as Muslims and Pakistanis, said Gen Bajwa, according to the ISPR's earlier statement.
The army chief, in the last two days, has held meetings with ulemas of various sects and asked them to strive to end sectarianism, informed sources.
The ulemas, in return, assured Gen Bajwa of their complete cooperation to promote religious solidarity. Sources said the army chief met Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Allama Iftikhar Naqvi
The army chief was also expected to visit Quetta and Karachi later in the day.
On Tuesday, the sit-in by the bereaved of victims entered its fifth day, as grief-stricken locals protest against the tragic loss of lives in the back-to-back blasts that hit the city on Friday.
The families of the victims have gathered in Shaheed Park where they continue their protest against the repeated terrorist attacks in Parachinar and the firing allegedly carried out by security forces to dispel the demonstrators.
The bereaved of the martyrs and other locals also offered Eid prayers at Shaheed Park on the first day of Eid and held special prayers.
At least 72 people were martyred and over 300 injured after two subsequent blasts rocked a densely populated area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency on Friday evening.
The bombings occurred as people were busy shopping for Iftar and Eid in the Turi Bazaar area, close to a crowded bus terminal.
The second blast took place as people rushed to provide aid and rescue the wounded from the first explosion.
On Sunday, Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt reached Parachinar and assured the families of martyrs and local tribes that those responsible behind the attack would be traced.
The corps commander addressed a local jirga and emphasised that the role and participation of locals in support of security forces is vital in bringing back normalcy in Parachinar, said a statement by the ISPR.
Lt Gen Butt also visited the injured in hospital and offered prayers for the martyrs.
