Nestled along the west bank of the majestic Indus River lies Dera Ismail Khan, affectionately abbreviated as D.I. Khan. This city, shrouded in the mists of ancient history, unveils its secrets through the excavation of the pre-Harappan archaeological site known as “Rahman Dheri.” This historical treasure trove near Dera Ismail Khan speaks volumes about the region’s significance in the chronicles of human civilization.
The roots of D.I. Khan stretch back to the 12th and 13th centuries, witnessing the arrival of Muslim-Pushtoon tribes from the formidable Suleman Range. Tribes like Lodhi, Blach, Lohani, Dolat Khel, Marwat, Mian Khel, and Gandapur, among others, settled in this land, imprinting their distinct cultures on its landscape.
The intriguing tale takes a turn in 1469 when Sultan Hussain, the Governor of Multan, entrusted the Indus frontier to Baloch chief Malik Sohrab Khan. Sohrab Khan, in turn, laid the foundation of Dera Ismail Khan, along with Dera Fateh Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan, naming them after his three sons. There are varying accounts of the city’s origin, with some attributing it to the founder’s son, Ismail Khan.
The 18th century brought another chapter in the city’s history, as Ahmad Shah Abdali claimed control. His son, Taimoor Shah, bequeathed the Nawabi of D.I. Khan to Sadozai Chief Nawab Muhammad Khan. The British era dawned on D.I. Khan after the second Sikh war in 1849, annexing it as part of the Punjab until the creation of NWFP in 1901.
Fast forward to the present, D.I. Khan stands as a testament to resilience, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of centuries. Situated approximately 300 kilometers south of Peshawar and 230 kilometers northwest of Multan, this city has evolved into a vital business hub, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of the region.
Beyond its historical significance, D.I. Khan has etched its mark on the political map of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The city has been the cradle of numerous political figures, shaping the course of regional politics. The melange of Pashto and Saraiki spoken in its streets reflects the cultural diversity that has blossomed over the years.
As we traverse the streets of D.I. Khan, we are not merely strolling through a city; we are meandering through the corridors of time, where echoes of ancient civilizations and the footprints of diverse cultures linger, creating a harmonious mosaic that is uniquely Dera Ismail Khan.
Over one-third of the province’s sole Seraiki-speaking area’s inhabitants are Shia, community representatives claim. While Dera may boast the region’s largest Shia population, a ‘wrong’ confession of faith can prove fatal.
Shi’a Muslim people are living in Dera Ismail Khan before colonial rule. They commemorate the Mourning gatherings / Majalis-i-Aza and Processions / Jaloos-Haiy-Azadari on very large scale.
Muharram due to tragedy of Karbala remained very sacred for both Shi’a and Sunni Muslims in the district although had history of sectarian tensions. Sectarian tensions in Dera predate Partition. Sporadic disturbances broke out in the late 1950s over Azadari processions. Differences were settled with a three-party understanding on procession routes between authorities, Sunni and Shia representatives.
Muted amity punctuated by infrequent public order situations gave way to enduring sectarian strife with the establishment of Sipah-e-Sahaba (SSP) on September 6, 1985 in Jhang. With what the Shia term active state patronage, the radical outfit aspiring to transform Pakistan into a Sunni state spread its tentacles to Dera. The SSP’s violent legacy continues to haunt the district.
Till 1985, the force of syncretism largely trumped sectarianism with many Sunnis actively participating in Ashura processions. It was widely believed that those who carried Tazias had wishes granted. The sight of Sunnis presenting eatables as offerings, often running into hundreds of kilogrammes, was also not uncommon.
First incident of Shi’a killing occurred in DI Khan in 1986 on 10th Muharram, when the Procession of Mourning of Imam Hussain had been com under attack, when the Mourning procession was passing through Noor-Masjid situated at Commissionary Bazar, DI Khan and one man was killed. In 1988, local administration had imposed a ban on ‘Mourning Processions’ in jurisdiction of the DI Khan, district of KPK province Pakistan. That ban was not accepted by the Shi’a Muslims and they as usual organized the central ‘Mourning Procession’ and police opened Fire on mourners and killed 10 mourner Shias at the spot. From that day, Genocide of Shias of Dera Ismail Khan couldn’t stop. In 90s target- killings of Shi’as of DI Khan were in full swing and after invasion over Afghanistan in 2002, Shi’as of DI Khan became victims of targeted killings but of suicide-bombings.
The cause of Shia sufferings in D.I.Khan is Talibanization. The Talibans and other militants trained from Afghanistan belonging to D.I. Khan and tribal area have ran away from Afghanistan and Tribal area to D.I.Khan & have succeeded to make it a stronghold for themselves. They are not only targeting Shias but also carrying bomb blasts in Video center, Cinemas and Govt: Officials. The recent history of D.I.K has quite clearly shown it. More prominent innocent Shia personalities are the ‘would be target’ of the sectarian militants The present activities of the terrorists and the growing influence of Talibanization in the vicinity of this sensitive District poses a great threat to the innocent citizens of Pakistan, especially to Shias.
Shi’a Muslims of DI Khan are facing non-stop killings and ethnic- cleansing from Takfiri- Jihadist militant groups like Sipah-i-Sahabah / SSP aka Ahle-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat -ASWJ, ISKP, TTP, TJ etc. of the over 150 interred at the Kotli Imam Hussain (RA) graveyard, names of killed since 1986 are inscribed on a commemorative board. Till 2002, Shia residents of Kotla Syedan owned 90% of land in the village’s vicinity. The figure has registered a near 40% decline with many having sold prime holdings before relocating to Bhakkar district of Punjab in the wake of dozens being gunned down by Syednagar resident Imran Gandapur over 2006-08. Still Shi’a migration and internal-external displacement of Shi’a Muslims on large scale is being occurred. There are hundreds of Shi’a Families that have been lost their male members and they have just women and minors.
List of Prominent Shi’a Muslims were targeted to death in Dera Ismail Khan
1-Syed Rajab Ali Zaidi Superintendent of Police (SP) was killed along with his son Muazam 28, on 21 Dec 2003 on D.I.K-Darya Khan Road as he was coming back to his home.
2- Inspector Ghulam Qanbar of Special Branch was killed on 13 Sep 2001 in D.I.K. He was targeted because he captured a deadly dangerous terrorist Murtaza Mawia with 5 lack money on his head a few months before his killing. on 21 Dec 2003 on D.I.K-Darya Khan Road as he was coming back to his home.
3-Advocate Khursheed Anwar – Centeral General Secretary Tehreek-e-Jafria Pakistan was martyred on 28 Sep 1999 along with his daughter Umme Lila 18 and guard Hassan on New Chongi D.I.K. He was the General Secretary of Tahreek-e-Jafria Pakistan.
4- Umme Lila 18, daughter of Advocate Khursheed Anwar was shot and dead along with his father as she was mourning his father’s death. The terrorist turned back and killed her. She was a brilliant student studying in F.Sc.
5- Syed Bashir Husssain Kazmi – a retired Tehsildar was martyred on 25 May 2008 along with his brother Kifayat Hussain and two young nephews. The terrorist also killed a policeman at the spot as he tried to capture them. The other Youngman of the same family named Mazhar Abbas was martyred earlier in the this month (May 2008).
6- Advocate Syed Afeef Abbas Shah was killed on 30 Dec 2004 in District Bar D.I.Khan at about 1:30 PM. He was targeted as he contesting the case of 5 innocent people who became the victim of the terrorists in 1999 while they were sleeping.
7- Doctor Abdul Ali Bangash – a famous Sargon Doctor was assassinated in 1998 in District Headquarter hospital D.I.K in the light of a bright day while he was on his duty.\
8- Doctor Ghulam Shabir an MBBS doctor was killed in his clinic on 2 Feb 2000.
9- Allama Kazim Aseer Jarvi who belonged to village Jara D.I.K was killed along with his son on 28 March 92 while he was coming back to his home from Lahore. His young son Amar 14 who witnessed the killing of his father and brother later died of this psychological shock.
10- Allama Allaha Nawaz Murtazvi was killed in February 1994 while he was coming from D.I.K to his village Haji mora to lead a Jumma prayer.
11- Syed Hassan Ali Kazmi a renowned Shia leader and Politician was killed on 7June 2001 in Mohallah Eisab Zai D.I.K. He contested the 1988 election and secured 20,000 votes. He is known as an icon of Shia-Sunni unity since he tried all his life for sectarian harmony.
12- Liaqat Ali Imrani a well-known social activist and local Journalist was killed in 2006. Maqbool Hussain a senior journalist (as quoted by BBC) was killed in D.I.K in October 2006.
13- Fayyaz Hussain of Pakistan Army (DSG) became the victim of terrorists along with other 4 persons in Sardary Wala. Hawaldar Abdur Rasheed (Retd) was one of the victims of this incident in which terrorists opened fire on armless people. Iftikhar Hussain of Pak Army (DSG) was also amongst the 5 victims along with Sami 13 and a young child Arif hussain who was 8 years old.
14- Hassan Ali an employee in Police was killed on 28 Sep 1999 while he was on his duty as a guard with Advocate Khursheed Anwar. He was 28.
15- Qamar Abbas an other Police employee was killed while he was on his duty in a procession of SSP on Eid Milad. He was killed as his name ‘Abbs’ was prominent on his name plate. Hawaldar Rabnawaz (Police) from Ahle Sunnet sect embraced martyrdom when he tried to capture the terrorist who were fleeing after killing Inspector Qambar on 13 Sep 2001.
16- Miscellaneous Govt: Employees killed S.Sharaf Hussain Polytechnic College D.I.K Akram PatwariRevenue Department Qabool HussainFrontier Constabulary (FC) Riaz JhamkanaTeacher Azmat AliStatistics Department.
17- Professor Nizakat Ali Imrani Professor Nizakat Imrani 44, was the Chairman of Commerce & Business Depart of Gomal University who became the victim of barbaric terrorists on 23 Dec 2006 as he was coming back to home after attending the Annual Convocation of the University. He was ranked amongst the most brilliant Professors of Gomal University. A few months earlier his elder brother Liaqat Imrani- a well-known social activist and local journalist, was killed. On 25 May 2008, 5 innocent Shia belonging to same family and a policeman were killed in the light of a bright day.
Data of Victims of Shia-target-killings in DI Khan
On March 12, 2007, Syed Arshad Abbas Kazmi, a 21-year-old, fell victim to a tragic incident in DI Khan. He was ambushed while driving a taxi, and his life was cut short by gun violence.
On April 26, 2007, Malik Ashfaq, a retiree from the Pakistan Armed Forces and the proprietor of an internet café, was fatally shot at his establishment by Takfiri militants.
On August 8, 2008, Dr. Syed Saeed-ul-Hassan Shah met a tragic end at his clinic, where two unidentified terrorists on a motorcycle shot and killed him.
On August 11, 2008, Wazir Hussain Afridi met a tragic fate when unidentified armed individuals opened fire on him while he was seated at his shop.
Thirty-two lives were lost, and 55 individuals sustained injuries when a suicide bomber detonated explosives near the Emergency Ward of the District Headquarter Hospital in DI Khan. The attack occurred during a demonstration by Shia protesters condemning the targeted killing of Shia scholar Syed Basit Ali Advocate. The Tehreek Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing. Three women, Zara Baloch, Sheerien Riaz, and Iram Batool, were among the deceased individuals.
On October 21, 2008, Ijaz Hussain, a security guard, fell victim to an act of violence as he was gunned down by takfiri terrorists.
On October 25, 2008, Ijaz Hussain, a dispenser, faced a tragic end at the clinic where he worked. Four unidentified terrorists, disguised in burqas, entered the clinic and fatally shot him.
On October 29, 2008, Syed Rizwan Haider Abidi, 28 years old, was fatally shot while working at his tailoring shop.
On October 29, 2008, Syed Munir Hussain Kazmi, a Noha-Khawan (Elegy-reciter), was fatally shot, along with his two friends, fellow Shi’a Muslims and residents of Kotla Syedan, a Shi’a neighborhood in DI Khan.
On November 21, 2008, Shia Religious Scholar Syed Zahid Iqbal Shahid met a tragic end as he was shot and killed by an armed man riding a motorcycle.
On November 21, 2008, Allama Syed Nazir Hussain Naqvi, mohtamim/ Custodian of Imambargah Mehtab Bibi Mohallah Hatullah, was gunned down in front of his house.
On November 21, 2008, nine lives were lost, and 43 others sustained injuries when a bomb tore through a funeral procession honoring Shia religious scholar Syed Zahid Iqbal Shahid near Bannu bus-stand in DI Khan.
On July 30, 2008, Syed Arif Hussain, a government employee, was fatally shot by four Takfiri terrorists while en route to his office.
On February 2, 2009, Syed Munawar Hussain Kazmi, a renowned agriculturalist, former member of the district council in DI Khan, and a member of the District Peace Committee, met a tragic end. He was shot and killed at a petrol pump station while his car’s tank was being filled with patrol.
On February 10, 2009, Maulana Ghulam Shabbir Shah, who had just finished teaching the Quran in the Nawab area and was on his way home, was shot and killed at Qureashi Mord by an armed man riding a motorcycle.
On February 19, 2019, 35-year-old Sher Zaman tragically lost his life when he was shot and killed on the road by Takfiri terroristA devastating incident unfolded on a Friday as a suicide bomber targeted a funeral procession for Sher Zaman, the son of Muhammad Bux, a young Shi’a Muslim who had been gunned down the previous day. The attack claimed the lives of 27 people and left 65 others wounded. The suicide bombing occurred on February 20, 2009, marking a dark day in the memory of the community affected by the tragic events.
On March 14, 2009, a tragic incident unfolded as Muhammad Sharif, an English teacher, and his wife, Taskeen Sharif, a primary women teacher/ CT teacher in the Education Department of KPK province, were riding a motorcycle. They were ambushed and shot, leading to the untimely deaths of both individuals. Notably, Taskeen Sharif was pregnant at the time of the attack, adding a heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy.
On the somber day of April 18, 2008, Ghulam Hussain Baqir, a man dedicated to his automobile repair shop, faced a cruel fate. As he returned from paying homage to the Darbar/Shrine of Hussain Sherazi at Khana Sharif, armed men on motorcycles ambushed him, extinguishing a life intertwined with the pursuit of his livelihood and spiritual devotion.
On May 2, 2009, a tragic incident unfolded as Chemist Javed Iqbal Baloch was fatally shot at his medical store, where he was in the company of his younger brother. The violence struck not only at an individual’s life but also at the sanctity of a place meant to provide care and healing.
On May 25, 2009, a heartbreaking incident occurred as three masons—Jahangir Abbas, Asghar Ali, and Ahmed Nawaz Baloch—lost their lives. They were shot and killed while diligently working at a house construction site, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals even in the pursuit of their livelihoods just due to the Shi’a identity.
On June 3, 2009, Syed Saleem Shah faced a tragic fate as he was shot and killed by takfiri terrorists at his shop. The incident reflects the indiscriminate nature of faith-based violence that can disrupt the lives of individuals in their everyday places of work and commerce.
On June 4, 2009, Mushtaq Ali Haideri, a dedicated technician employed at Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL), fell victim to a targeted attack by takfiri terrorists. The incident unfolded while he was repairing a PTCL pool in a territory of DI Khan.
On June 7, 2009, two actual brothers, Zawar Muhammad Hanif and Muhammad Ramzan, sons of Muhammad Abdullah, were fatally shot by armed individuals riding a motorcycle. The unfortunate incident occurred while the brothers were seated at their shop.
On June 23, 2009, Ghulam Shabir, son of Khadim Hussain, was fatally shot by armed assailants while he was seated at his shop. He sustained injuries from five bullets, ultimately leading to his demise.
On July 4, 2009, Rajab Ali Haidari, son of Gul Muhammad and a Commission Agent in the Fruits & Vegetables Market, was fatally shot by armed assailants riding a motorcycle. The unfortunate incident occurred as he was en route to the Fruits and Vegetables Market.
On July 6, 2009, Bakhat Wada, son of Gul Muhammad and a taxi driver, was fatally shot by armed assailants while on his way to earn a living. His taxi became the target of the assailants’ gunfire, leading to his tragic demise.
On February 2, 2009, Maqbool Hussain Zawar, a shopkeeper and son of Sher Muhammad, was shot and killed by an armed assailant while he was unlocking the gate of his shop.
On January 27, 2009, Syed Anwar Ali Shah, the son of Syed Habib Shah and an agriculturalist, was fatally shot by armed assailants while he was en route to visit his agricultural lands.
Muhammad Ali Abbas, son of Allah Bux and a shop-owner, was fatally shot by armed assailants while he was on his way to his shop.
Asad Abbas Shah, son of Syed Sadiq Hussain Shah and a Police Constable assigned as a guard for the protection of a Shia advocate, lost his life in a blast triggered by a remote-control device in the car parking area of District Bar Dera Ismail Khan. The incident occurred while he was parking the car.
On March 10, 2009, Faheem Abbas S/O Jaffar Ali, 26 years old and constable in KPK Police was shot and dead by armed men when he was returning his home after off the duty. He was the first police constable, who had caught a suicide-bomber when the bomber was trying to enter an Imambargah.
On March 19, 2009, Asghar Ali, aged 39 and the Laboratory Incharge in the Education Department, was fatally shot by armed assailants while returning home from his office.
On June 3, 2009, Ikramullah, son of Faizullah Khan, was shot and killed near Faisal Masjid by armed assailants while he was returning from a visit to his sister’s house.
On July 17, 2009, Zulfiqar Haider, employed in KPK Police as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), was shot and killed early in the morning by armed assailants while he was on his way to perform his duty.
On April 25, 2009, Malik Javed Baqir, son of Malik Ghulam Jaffar, and his spouse Farah Javed were ambushed by armed assailants in front of their house. This unfortunate incident occurred as they were returning home after visiting a neighbor who was unwell.
On April 27, 2009, Murtajiz Hussain, a 25-year-old Computer Operator at Radio Pakistan, and his father Muhammad Saleem were returning home after Murtajiz had finished his duty when they were attacked by armed assailants. Tragically, Murtajiz Hussain lost his life, while his father sustained severe injuries.
On February 18, 2009, at the entrance of his residence, Muhammad Imran Molai, a 22-year-old employee at a Goldsmith’s shop and son of Anwar Hussain Molai, was shot and killed by armed assailants.
On June 8, 2010, Dr. Syed Javed Haider, son of Dr. Syed Karim Haider, was fatally shot by armed assailants while on his way to his clinic.
On May 18, 2010, Ghulam Younas Noah-Khawan (Elegy-reciter), along with his spouse Irshad Bibi, their 8-year-old daughter Sadaf Batool, and 5-year-old son Muntazir Mehdi, tragically lost their lives when their car was targeted by a remote-control device bomb. They were en route to attend a marriage ceremony.
On January 3, 2011, Syed Munir Hussain Sherazi, a Lecturer at Gomal University and son of Syed Fazal Hussain Sherazi, was fatally shot when he was returning home from the University.
On February 22, 2011, Syed Raza Hussain Shah, and on May 27, 2011, his brother Syed Fida Hussain Shah, were fatally shot by armed assailants.
On June 25, 2011, Ghulam Akbar, son of Allah Bux Firshta and the custodian of a Shi’a religious seminary, was ambushed while on his way to his friend’s home.
On August 29, 2011, Syed Qaisar Hussain Shah, son of Syed Mulazim Hussain Shah, was shot and killed by armed assailants as he was returning with his two minor sons after shopping for them for Eid-ul-Fitr on Chand-Raat (Night Before Eid).
On August 25, 2011, Sohail Abbas, son of Malik Muhammad Shafi and a police employee, was fatally shot by armed assailants while standing at the main gate of the Civil Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan.
The targeted Shia individuals mentioned in the data were not only victims of violence but also integral members of the Shia community, contributing significantly to various aspects of society. Socially, they were active and engaged individuals, involved in professions such as teaching, journalism, and activism, making positive contributions to their communities. Religiously, they held key positions as scholars, custodians of religious seminaries, and advocates for unity among different religious sects.
Politically, some were actively engaged in advocacy and played crucial roles in community leadership. Their targeted killings suggest a systematic effort to eliminate socially, religiously, and politically active Shia members, indicating a disturbing pattern of ethnic and religious cleansing. The deliberate targeting of individuals who held influential roles within the Shia community underscores the gravity of these acts, aiming not only at individual lives but also at destabilizing and diminishing the broader Shia identity in Dera Ismail Khan.
This is a comprehensive and detailed list of Shia Muslims who were tragically targeted and killed in Dera Ismail Khan over a span of several years. The incidents range from targeted assassinations of prominent figures to indiscriminate attacks on ordinary individuals. The data reveals a pattern of violence against Shia Muslims, with incidents occurring in various settings such as homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Some notable trends and observations from the data include:
Targeting of Prominent Figures
Several prominent figures, including police officers, advocates, doctors, and religious scholars, were specifically targeted for their Shia identity or their roles in the community.
Family Tragedies:
Incidents where family members, including spouses and children, were killed alongside the main target highlight the devastating impact on families and communities.
Targeted Professions:
Professionals such as police officers, doctors, journalists, and educators were among the victims, indicating that the violence extended to various sectors of society.
Terrorist Tactics
The use of tactics such as bombings, ambushes, and remote-controlled devices underscores the deliberate and coordinated nature of these attacks.
Religious and Community Leaders:
Religious scholars and community leaders played a significant role in the community but became targets of violence, impacting the fabric of Shia-Sunni unity.
The recurrence of incidents over the years suggests an ongoing and persistent threat to the Shia Muslim community in Dera Ismail Khan.
Additionally, the second part of the data provides specific incidents and names of individuals who fell victim to targeted killings in Dera Ismail Khan. The list includes names, dates, and circumstances surrounding each tragic event, offering a detailed account of the violence faced by the Shia community in the region.
Note: Certainly! Here’s a refined version:
“This data is incomplete and has been generated solely to illustrate the ongoing genocide in Dera Ismail Khan. The comprehensive data on the Shia genocide will be available in the Database section.”
