Following a suicide bombing that left several dead, largely young Hazara women, in Kabul on Friday, dozens of women from the minority ethnic group protested in the Afghan capital on Saturday.&nbsp;

In the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul, a bomber detonated himself on Friday during a test-taking session for students preparing for university entrance examinations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the United Nations increased the death toll to 35 on Saturday.

"The latest casualty figures from the attack number at least 35 fatalities, with an additional 82 wounded," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement.

The minority Hazara population lives in the western neighbourhood, a largely Shiite Muslim enclave, and is a historically persecuted group that has recently been the subject of some of Afghanistan's most violent atrocities.

About 50 women marched past&nbsp;a hospital in Dasht-e-Barchi on Saturday while chanting, "Stop Hazara genocide, it's not a crime to be a Shiite." Several assault victims were being treated there.&nbsp;

An AFP journalist stated that angry protesters carrying "Stop killing Hazaras" placards were dressed in black hijabs and headscarves.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musk-previews-humanoid-robot-optimus-at-ai-day-event-at-tesla-office-521383">Musk previews humanoid robot 'Optimus' at AI day event at Tesla office</a>

According to eyewitnesses, the suicide attacker triggered the blast in the women's area of the gender-segregated auditorium.

Later, a crowd of protesters assembled in front of the hospital and screamed slogans under the watchful eye of dozens of Taliban who were highly armed and some of them had rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

Women's protests have become dangerous since the hardline Taliban seized control again in August of last year, with many protesters being jailed and gatherings being dispersed by Taliban soldiers firing rounds in the air.&nbsp;

The incident at the Kaaj Higher Educational Centre on Friday has not yet been linked to any particular organisation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following a suicide bombing that left several dead, largely young Hazara women, in Kabul on Friday, dozens of women from the minority ethnic group protested in the Afghan capital on Saturday.

Following a suicide bombing that left several dead, largely young Hazara women, in Kabul on Friday, dozens of women from the minority ethnic group protested in the Afghan capital on Saturday. In the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul, a bomber detonated himself on Friday during a test-taking session for students preparing for university entrance examinations. Meanwhile, the United Nations increased the death toll to 35 on Saturday. "The latest casualty figures from the attack number at least 35 fatalities, with an additional 82 wounded," the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement. The minority Hazara population lives in the western neighbourhood, a largely Shiite Muslim enclave, and is a historically persecuted group that has recently been the subject of some of Afghanistan's most violent atrocities. About 50 women marched past a hospital in Dasht-e-Barchi on Saturday while chanting, "Stop Hazara genocide, it's not a crime to be a Shiite." Several assault victims were being treated there. An AFP journalist stated that angry protesters carrying "Stop killing Hazaras" placards were dressed in black hijabs and headscarves. Also Read: Musk previews humanoid robot 'Optimus' at AI day event at Tesla office According to eyewitnesses, the suicide attacker triggered the blast in the women's area of the gender-segregated auditorium. Later, a crowd of protesters assembled in front of the hospital and screamed slogans under the watchful eye of dozens of Taliban who were highly armed and some of them had rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Women's protests have become dangerous since the hardline Taliban seized control again in August of last year, with many protesters being jailed and gatherings being dispersed by Taliban soldiers firing rounds in the air. The incident at the Kaaj Higher Educational Centre on Friday has not yet been linked to any particular organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Hazara women protest against 'genocide' after Kabul suicide bombing toll rises to 35

There's no end to attacks in Afghanistan. In the latest, at least five people have been killed and six injured. Reports claimed a magnetic bomb was attached to the minivan. The incident on Saturday took place in Dasht-e Barchi, a Kabul suburb dominated by members of the mostly Shia Hazara community.

Afghanistan: Blast in area housing minority Shia Hazara community

A man claiming to be an Australian citizen has released a video in which he claims to have been beaten by the Taliban while attempting to reach Kabul airport.

Blood was dripping from the man's forehead in the footage, which he recorded himself.

In the footage, he can also be heard saying, "They hit me. I am an Australian citizen. They hit me "while armed Taliban members look on. 
 
“I am an Australian citizen. I am not Afghan. You cannot hit me. This happened to me when I was trying to reach airport,” the Australian man is heard saying in Dari.

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This is the violent and barbaric Taliban that the world is leaving the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> to live under. 
 
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The Australian citizen was beaten and kidnapped by the Taliban as he attempted to flee the country, but was eventually released following his family's pleas.

In Afghanistan, he is still hiding. His brother and wife are in Australia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muscles-sliced-off-strangled-with-scarf-nine-men-of-the-hazara-minority-killed-by-taliban-407237">Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban</a>

The man is a member of the Hazara community, an ethnic and religious minority that has endured decades of Taliban persecution and bloodshed.

As tens of thousands of people flee to Kabul's airport, allegations of Hazaras being singled out for severe harassment at Taliban checkpoints and denied admission to the airport have become common. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-burn-down-amusement-park-in-afghanistan-406897">Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan</a>

In early July, the Taliban tortured and murdered nine Hazara men in Afghanistan, looting their homes in Ghazni province, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International.

Three of the nine guys were tortured to death, according to eyewitnesses, including one who was strangled with a scarf and had his muscles cut off.

According to eyewitnesses, Taliban terrorists broke a 45-year-old man's wrists and legs, shot him, and ripped his hair out.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man claiming to be an Australian citizen has released a video in which he claims to have been beaten by the Taliban while attempting to reach Kabul airport. Blood was dripping from the man's forehead in the footage, which he recorded himself.

A man claiming to be an Australian citizen has released a video in which he claims to have been beaten by the Taliban while attempting to reach Kabul airport. Blood was dripping from the man's forehead in the footage, which he recorded himself. In the footage, he can also be heard saying, "They hit me. I am an Australian citizen. They hit me "while armed Taliban members look on. “I am an Australian citizen. I am not Afghan. You cannot hit me. This happened to me when I was trying to reach airport,” the Australian man is heard saying in Dari. This is the violent and barbaric Taliban that the world is leaving the people of #Afghanistan to live under. He is saying ‘They hit me both… I am an Australian citizen”. pic.twitter.com/ptZTV1AK9J — Shabnam Nasimi (@NasimiShabnam) August 25, 2021 × The Australian citizen was beaten and kidnapped by the Taliban as he attempted to flee the country, but was eventually released following his family's pleas. In Afghanistan, he is still hiding. His brother and wife are in Australia. Also read | Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban The man is a member of the Hazara community, an ethnic and religious minority that has endured decades of Taliban persecution and bloodshed. As tens of thousands of people flee to Kabul's airport, allegations of Hazaras being singled out for severe harassment at Taliban checkpoints and denied admission to the airport have become common. Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan In early July, the Taliban tortured and murdered nine Hazara men in Afghanistan, looting their homes in Ghazni province, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International. Three of the nine guys were tortured to death, according to eyewitnesses, including one who was strangled with a scarf and had his muscles cut off. According to eyewitnesses, Taliban terrorists broke a 45-year-old man's wrists and legs, shot him, and ripped his hair out. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Hazara man, an Australian citizen, bludgeoned, abducted by Taliban while trying to exit

In early July, the Taliban tortured and murdered nine Hazara men in Afghanistan, looting their homes in Ghazni province, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International.&nbsp;

Three of the nine guys were tortured to death, according to eyewitnesses, including one who was strangled with a scarf and had his muscles cut off.

According to eyewitnesses, Taliban terrorists broke a 45-year-old man's wrists and legs, shot him, and ripped his hair out.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-burn-down-amusement-park-in-afghanistan-406897">Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan</a>

The Hazara ethnic group, which mostly practises Shia Islam, is Afghanistan's third biggest ethnic group. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-crisis-facebook-twitter-and-linkedin-secure-users-accounts-amid-taliban-takeover-407020">Live: Afghanistan crisis</a>:

According to the BBC, it has long been subjected to prejudice and persecution in predominately Sunni Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

According to the report, "on-the-ground researchers spoke to eyewitnesses who gave harrowing accounts of the killings, which took place between 4-6 July in the village of Mundarakht, Malistan district."

"The cold-blooded brutality of these killings is a reminder of the Taliban’s past record, and a horrifying indicator of what Taliban rule may bring. These targeted killings are proof that ethnic and religious minorities remain at particular risk under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, "Amnesty's secretary-general Agnès Callamard said. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-child-lifted-over-kabul-airport-wall-by-us-soldiers-406985">Watch: Child lifted over Kabul airport wall by US soldiers</a>

Amnesty International encouraged the United Nations to "pass an emergency resolution demanding that the Taliban uphold international human rights law and protect the safety of all Afghans, regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs."&nbsp;

Before being toppled by a US-led coalition in 2001, the Taliban were notorious for their harsh rule of Afghanistan, which denied women and ethnic minorities their rights.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In early July, the Taliban tortured and murdered nine Hazara men in Afghanistan, looting their homes in Ghazni province, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International.

In early July, the Taliban tortured and murdered nine Hazara men in Afghanistan, looting their homes in Ghazni province, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International. Three of the nine guys were tortured to death, according to eyewitnesses, including one who was strangled with a scarf and had his muscles cut off. According to eyewitnesses, Taliban terrorists broke a 45-year-old man's wrists and legs, shot him, and ripped his hair out. Watch: Taliban burn down amusement park in Afghanistan The Hazara ethnic group, which mostly practises Shia Islam, is Afghanistan's third biggest ethnic group. Live: Afghanistan crisis: According to the BBC, it has long been subjected to prejudice and persecution in predominately Sunni Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the report, "on-the-ground researchers spoke to eyewitnesses who gave harrowing accounts of the killings, which took place between 4-6 July in the village of Mundarakht, Malistan district." "The cold-blooded brutality of these killings is a reminder of the Taliban’s past record, and a horrifying indicator of what Taliban rule may bring. These targeted killings are proof that ethnic and religious minorities remain at particular risk under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, "Amnesty's secretary-general Agnès Callamard said. Also read | Watch: Child lifted over Kabul airport wall by US soldiers Amnesty International encouraged the United Nations to "pass an emergency resolution demanding that the Taliban uphold international human rights law and protect the safety of all Afghans, regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs." Before being toppled by a US-led coalition in 2001, the Taliban were notorious for their harsh rule of Afghanistan, which denied women and ethnic minorities their rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Muscles sliced off, strangled with scarf: Nine men of the Hazara minority killed by Taliban

Thousands of mourners gathered in Pakistan Saturday for the burial of 10 miners who were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Pakistani officials have notably long denied the presence of Islamic State in the country, but the group has claimed a number of attacks including a bombing at a market in 2019.

These deaths had then sparked an outcry over the lack of protection for workers, leading to countrywide blockade.

A six-day protest by the Shiite Hazara community over the killings in the country's restive southwest was finally called off late Friday after they reached an agreement with the provincial government of Balochistan. Authorities on Friday promised the arrest of the attackers, payment of compensation to the bereaved families and better security for the Hazaras.

This also comes in the wake of reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to travel to Quetta on Saturday.

More than 4,000 people attended the last rites of the dead miners whose bodies were laid to rest amid tight security six days after their deaths. According to AFP, mourners chanted slogans of "down with terrorism and arrest the culprits".

Shiite protesters numbering up to 3,000 had blocked a road on the outskirts of Quetta demanding personal assurances by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The said 10 miners from the minority community were kidnapped by gunmen from a remote colliery on Sunday before being taken to nearby hills where most were shot dead, while some were beheaded.

Ethnic Hazaras make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan -- the country's largest and poorest region, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. They are sometimes considered easy targets for Sunni militants who consider them heretics.

The community's refusal to bury the bodies was a symbolic protest in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where according to Islamic culture people should be buried within 24 hours, before the next sunset.

The deal also called for setting up a high-level commission headed by Balochistan's home minister to investigate attacks against the Hazara community in the past 22 years.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Pakistan Saturday for the burial of 10 miners who were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Pakistani officials have notably long denied the presence of Islamic State in the country, but the group has claimed a number of attacks including a bombing at a market in 2019.

Thousands of mourners gathered in Pakistan Saturday for the burial of 10 miners who were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Pakistani officials have notably long denied the presence of Islamic State in the country, but the group has claimed a number of attacks including a bombing at a market in 2019. These deaths had then sparked an outcry over the lack of protection for workers, leading to countrywide blockade. A six-day protest by the Shiite Hazara community over the killings in the country's restive southwest was finally called off late Friday after they reached an agreement with the provincial government of Balochistan. Authorities on Friday promised the arrest of the attackers, payment of compensation to the bereaved families and better security for the Hazaras. This also comes in the wake of reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to travel to Quetta on Saturday. More than 4,000 people attended the last rites of the dead miners whose bodies were laid to rest amid tight security six days after their deaths. According to AFP, mourners chanted slogans of "down with terrorism and arrest the culprits". Shiite protesters numbering up to 3,000 had blocked a road on the outskirts of Quetta demanding personal assurances by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The said 10 miners from the minority community were kidnapped by gunmen from a remote colliery on Sunday before being taken to nearby hills where most were shot dead, while some were beheaded. Ethnic Hazaras make up most of the Shiite population in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan -- the country's largest and poorest region, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. They are sometimes considered easy targets for Sunni militants who consider them heretics. The community's refusal to bury the bodies was a symbolic protest in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where according to Islamic culture people should be buried within 24 hours, before the next sunset. The deal also called for setting up a high-level commission headed by Balochistan's home minister to investigate attacks against the Hazara community in the past 22 years.

Pakistani Shia Hazara community ends blockade over deaths of miners

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security.

On the other hand, the minority Hazaras are refusing to bury those murdered, wanting to have their prime minister to visit the scene of occurrence of this heinous crime.&nbsp;

And the criticism over the entire situation is mounting every hour.

Politicians and anti-government forces are&nbsp;continuing&nbsp;with scathing attacks on the government for its abject failure to protect the minorities -- especially in the matter of&nbsp;a sensitive province like Balochistan.

The province is already reeling under spate of repressions and stifling of freedom of expression. The minorities are also being suppressed for their ongoing protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through their province.&nbsp;

In an apparent bid to draw mileage from this ghastly act, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice-President, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz reached Quetta, contacted the kith and kin of the slain miners and stepped up their rhetoric against Imran Khan.&nbsp;

As is known, these two opposition leaders and their political parties are part of the anti-government alliance which of late has been campaigning for ouster of the present government and the fresh Hazara killings have further fuelled their tirade.&nbsp;

Launching a blistering attack against the government, Bilawal told the audience in Quetta that when in Quetta in 2013, Hazaras were killed by bombings, the PPP government had dismissed the provincial government for its laxity and lapses.

As many as 2000 Hazaras have been killed since 1998 in Pakistan and blatant discrimination against them in government jobs or societal standings continue to inflict them.

On her part, Maryam Nawaz conveyed her sympathy to the families on behalf of her father, Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in exile in the UK. The opposition, therefore, is losing no opportunity to capitalise on this burning issue -- thereby, putting Imran Khan on the backfoot.&nbsp;

The garrulous and pompous minister for interior, Sheikh Rashed Ahmed, &nbsp;had air dashed to Quetta to calm down the protesters but his assurances were of no help at all and in fact, proved counter-productive.&nbsp;

Now, the affected are demanding the presence of Imran Khan to come and provide succour to the families. The dead bodies remain unburied despite calls by him to do so.&nbsp;

There is complete defiance by the Hazaras, and their supporters and sympathisers.

Meanwhile, condemning the incident in the strongest possible language.

Nobel Laureate Malala Yusafzai also called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Quetta and share the grief of the Hazaras. This particular outburst is likely to draw international attention as the global community sees Pakistan with suspicion for the country’s terror-linked activities as well as abetment to acts of crossborder terrorism in India and Afghanistan.

Pakistan will hence be seen in a dim light, bringing into sharp focus for its repeated failure to protect the minority. As it is, the recent vandalism in a Hindu temple in Pakistan has already exposed its hollow claims of ensuring security of the minorities.

In view of the increasing pressure on the federal government, Imran Khan, in all likelihood, will not be able to resist the pressure and will visit Quetta sooner than later to placate the aggrieved.&nbsp;

In his wisdom, he should do it fast -- as his platter is already full with compliance of FATF guidelines, political opposition within, and numerous other insurmountable challenges including on the economic front, which do not seem to leave him soon.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former national security advisor to the prime minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal.)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security.

The January 4 grotesque killings of ten innocent Hazara coal miners in Pakistan have taken a sharp turn as the Imran Khan government is under immense pressure to tighten security. On the other hand, the minority Hazaras are refusing to bury those murdered, wanting to have their prime minister to visit the scene of occurrence of this heinous crime. And the criticism over the entire situation is mounting every hour. Politicians and anti-government forces are continuing with scathing attacks on the government for its abject failure to protect the minorities -- especially in the matter of a sensitive province like Balochistan. The province is already reeling under spate of repressions and stifling of freedom of expression. The minorities are also being suppressed for their ongoing protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through their province. In an apparent bid to draw mileage from this ghastly act, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice-President, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Maryam Nawaz reached Quetta, contacted the kith and kin of the slain miners and stepped up their rhetoric against Imran Khan. As is known, these two opposition leaders and their political parties are part of the anti-government alliance which of late has been campaigning for ouster of the present government and the fresh Hazara killings have further fuelled their tirade. Launching a blistering attack against the government, Bilawal told the audience in Quetta that when in Quetta in 2013, Hazaras were killed by bombings, the PPP government had dismissed the provincial government for its laxity and lapses. As many as 2000 Hazaras have been killed since 1998 in Pakistan and blatant discrimination against them in government jobs or societal standings continue to inflict them. On her part, Maryam Nawaz conveyed her sympathy to the families on behalf of her father, Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in exile in the UK. The opposition, therefore, is losing no opportunity to capitalise on this burning issue -- thereby, putting Imran Khan on the backfoot. The garrulous and pompous minister for interior, Sheikh Rashed Ahmed, had air dashed to Quetta to calm down the protesters but his assurances were of no help at all and in fact, proved counter-productive. Now, the affected are demanding the presence of Imran Khan to come and provide succour to the families. The dead bodies remain unburied despite calls by him to do so. There is complete defiance by the Hazaras, and their supporters and sympathisers. Meanwhile, condemning the incident in the strongest possible language. Nobel Laureate Malala Yusafzai also called upon Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Quetta and share the grief of the Hazaras. This particular outburst is likely to draw international attention as the global community sees Pakistan with suspicion for the country’s terror-linked activities as well as abetment to acts of crossborder terrorism in India and Afghanistan. Pakistan will hence be seen in a dim light, bringing into sharp focus for its repeated failure to protect the minority. As it is, the recent vandalism in a Hindu temple in Pakistan has already exposed its hollow claims of ensuring security of the minorities. In view of the increasing pressure on the federal government, Imran Khan, in all likelihood, will not be able to resist the pressure and will visit Quetta sooner than later to placate the aggrieved. In his wisdom, he should do it fast -- as his platter is already full with compliance of FATF guidelines, political opposition within, and numerous other insurmountable challenges including on the economic front, which do not seem to leave him soon. (The writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former national security advisor to the prime minister of Mauritius. Views expressed are personal.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hazara killings in Pakistan: Crisis deepens

It's been 3 days since the Hazarakillings but the families of the victims are refusing to bury them. They want Imran Khan himself to come to Quetta. Who are the Hazaras? Why are they persecuted in Pakistan?

Gravitas: The plight of Pakistan's Hazara Community

Pakistan: Thousands of Hazaras have since staged a protest, arranging the coffins across a highway in the provincial capital Quetta.

WION Dispatch: Hazaras continues to protest and refuse to end sit-in until Pak PM meet them

People mourn the deceased after gunmen in southwestern Pakistan killed at least 11 workers at a remote coal mine. The victims of the attack in Baluchistan province were from the minority Shiite Hazara community.

Pakistan's minority Shia Hazara community protests killing of 11 coal miners by ISIS

Pakistan`s Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has condemned the targetted attacks on members of the minority Hazara community in Balochistan, describing it as a clear case of "ethnic cleansing".

Leading a two-judge bench comprising of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and himself at the Supreme Court`s Quetta Registry, Chief Justice Nisar, taking suo moto notice of the attacks, said, "For me, the targetted killing of the Hazara community in Quetta is ethnic cleansing and that is why I had to take suo motu notice. We have no words to condemn the killings of Hazaras."

According to the Express Tribune, Chief Justice Nisar took suo motu notice of recent attacks on the beleaguered community and asked the Balochistan government, Levies, police, and the Interior Ministry to submit separate reports to the apex court.

Earlier, community leaders approached the bench to relate their predicament."The Hazaras are being killed for the last 20 years, but no one has been arrested till this date," Advocate Iftikhar Ali, a leader of the community, told the court.

He claimed the Hazaras were facing systemic discrimination."We are facing personal and financial losses due to this persecution," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying.

He also highlighted the fact that security for 15 Hazara leaders has been withdrawn, which the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Quetta) denied.

Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community.

Balochistan IGP Ansari revealed that 399 Hazaras had been killed in various incidents of terrorism in the last six years.

The highest number of Hazaras (208) was killed in 2013, while 19 people from the minority community and 20 settlers were killed in 2012, his report said.

"Nine members of the Hazara community have been targeted in Balochistan in the last four months," the IGP said, adding that 106 security personnel have also been killed since 2012 in targetted attacks.

"Twenty-eight personnel have been martyred so far in various incidents across the province this year. The security situation in the province has improved now," he added.

Another leader of Hazaras, Major (retd) Nadir Ali, lamented that a joint investigation team (JIT) formed to investigate targetted killings of the Hazaras could not produce any significant results.

Chief Justice Nisar ordered the IGP to directly look into the issue.

The chief justice also took notice of a separate petition filed by a Hazara woman whose husband has reportedly gone missing and advised IGP Ansari and the Frontier Corps to contact intelligence agencies for assistance in the matter.

"We cannot exist peacefully without state institutions. We should not consider them as our enemies," he said in a reference to the intelligence agencies on Friday.

"I met the Hazara community recently. They were so afraid, they wouldn`t even lodge complaints or request the Supreme Court, while killers of the community are holding public rallies," Chief Justice Nisar said.

The CJP ordered the authorities to improve and implement a security plan immediately. He later adjourned the hearing till after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community.

Pakistan`s Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has condemned the targetted attacks on members of the minority Hazara community in Balochistan, describing it as a clear case of "ethnic cleansing". Leading a two-judge bench comprising of Justice Ijazul Ahsan and himself at the Supreme Court`s Quetta Registry, Chief Justice Nisar, taking suo moto notice of the attacks, said, "For me, the targetted killing of the Hazara community in Quetta is ethnic cleansing and that is why I had to take suo motu notice. We have no words to condemn the killings of Hazaras." According to the Express Tribune, Chief Justice Nisar took suo motu notice of recent attacks on the beleaguered community and asked the Balochistan government, Levies, police, and the Interior Ministry to submit separate reports to the apex court. Earlier, community leaders approached the bench to relate their predicament."The Hazaras are being killed for the last 20 years, but no one has been arrested till this date," Advocate Iftikhar Ali, a leader of the community, told the court. He claimed the Hazaras were facing systemic discrimination."We are facing personal and financial losses due to this persecution," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying. He also highlighted the fact that security for 15 Hazara leaders has been withdrawn, which the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Quetta) denied. Chief Justice Nisar asked Balochistan Inspector General Police (IGP) Moazzam Jah Ansari and other agencies to reveal the measures they were taking to protect the community. Balochistan IGP Ansari revealed that 399 Hazaras had been killed in various incidents of terrorism in the last six years. The highest number of Hazaras (208) was killed in 2013, while 19 people from the minority community and 20 settlers were killed in 2012, his report said. "Nine members of the Hazara community have been targeted in Balochistan in the last four months," the IGP said, adding that 106 security personnel have also been killed since 2012 in targetted attacks. "Twenty-eight personnel have been martyred so far in various incidents across the province this year. The security situation in the province has improved now," he added. Another leader of Hazaras, Major (retd) Nadir Ali, lamented that a joint investigation team (JIT) formed to investigate targetted killings of the Hazaras could not produce any significant results. Chief Justice Nisar ordered the IGP to directly look into the issue. The chief justice also took notice of a separate petition filed by a Hazara woman whose husband has reportedly gone missing and advised IGP Ansari and the Frontier Corps to contact intelligence agencies for assistance in the matter. "We cannot exist peacefully without state institutions. We should not consider them as our enemies," he said in a reference to the intelligence agencies on Friday. "I met the Hazara community recently. They were so afraid, they wouldn`t even lodge complaints or request the Supreme Court, while killers of the community are holding public rallies," Chief Justice Nisar said. The CJP ordered the authorities to improve and implement a security plan immediately. He later adjourned the hearing till after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Pakistan CJ condemns ''ethnic cleansing'' of Hazaras

Suicide bombers hit a large demonstration by members of Afghanistan&#39;s Hazara minority in Kabul today, killing at least 80&nbsp;people and wounding at least 231, officials said. 
 
Graphic television footage from the site of the blasts showed many dead bodies lying on the bloodied road, close to where thousands of Hazara had been demonstrating over the route of a planned multimillion dollar power line. 
 
The Afghan public&nbsp;health ministry says&nbsp;at least 80&nbsp;dead and 231&nbsp;wounded had been taken to nearby hospitals, but the numbers may change. It was not immediately clear how many bombs were involved in the attack, but an eyewitness WION spoke to claims he heard three distinct blasts. 
 
Afghan President condemns attack&nbsp; 
 
Thousands of demonstrators had gathered to demand that a multi-million-dollar power line pass through their electricity-starved province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population. 
 
In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was &quot;deeply saddened&quot; by the carnage, adding that the casualties included security officials. 
 
&quot;Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces.&quot; 
 
&quot;The horrific attack on a group of peaceful protesters in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life,&quot; Amnesty International further said&nbsp;in a statement. 
 
&quot;Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all,&quot; Ghani said. 
 
Pakistan condemns blasts, expresses deep grief 
 
Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday said&nbsp;in a statement that &quot;Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist acts in Kabul&quot;. 
 
&quot;The government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences and profound sympathies to the families of the bereaved people and convey their earnest prayers and wishes for early recovery of those injured in this heinous act of terrorism,&quot; it said.? 
 
The protest march was largely peaceful before the explosion struck as the demonstrators sought to march on the presidential palace, waving flags and chanting slogans such as &quot;death to discrimination&quot;. 
 
Emergency vehicles were at the site and wounded were being carried away. 
 
Much of the city centre had been sealed off with stacks of shipping containers and other obstacles as the march began earlier today, and security was tight with helicopters patrolling overhead. 
 
Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;claimed the&nbsp;responsibility for the blasts, which came some three weeks after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people in an attack on newly graduated police cadets that was claimed by the Taliban. 
 
Hazaras have long suffered discrimination&nbsp; 
 
Rereouting of&nbsp;500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul&nbsp;through two provinces with large Hazara populations, government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. 
 
The Persian-speaking Hazara, a mainly Shia group estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan&#39;s third-largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed under Taliban rule. 
 
The protest by a group whose leaders include members of the national unity government had put pressure on President Ashraf Ghani, who has faced growing opposition from both inside and outside the government. 
 
It also risked exacerbating ethnic tensions with other groups and provinces the government says would have to wait up to three years for power if the route were changed. 
 
The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of the so-called TUTAP project backed by the Asia Development Bank, linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
 
Hazaras say they want the line to come through Bamyan and Wardak provinces, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, to ensure their power supply.&nbsp;The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the two provinces and denies it disadvantages Hazara people. 
 
Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. 
 
An earlier plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was dropped.&nbsp; 
 
Eyewitness talks to WION&nbsp;

A&nbsp;demonstrator&nbsp;Ejaz Malikzada&nbsp;spoke to WION over the phone after the incident and confirmed that the protests were largely peaceful. 
 
He is the one who&nbsp;claimed that at least three explosions rocked the demonstrations.&nbsp;In a series of posts on microblogging site Twitter, he shared some videos capturing the ensuing choas.

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
Dead and injured bodies in the scene of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash">#explosion</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulBlast?src=hash">#KabulBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kabulprotest?src=hash">#kabulprotest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash">#Kabul</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTLmzxsL7R">pic.twitter.com/YTLmzxsL7R</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756818495116087296">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://t.co/jxRNrrsLg9">pic.twitter.com/jxRNrrsLg9</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756794660769726465">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
Scene of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash">#explosion</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KabulBlast?src=hash">#KabulBlast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kabulprotest?src=hash">#kabulprotest</a> <a href="https://t.co/wi7sRIOrtG">pic.twitter.com/wi7sRIOrtG</a>
&mdash; Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) <a href="https://twitter.com/EjazMalikzada/status/756818692978204672">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

 
(Reuters, AFP and WION)&nbsp;

Islamic State claimed responsibility of the blast at the protest site where thousands of minority Hazaras had gathered

Suicide bombers hit a large demonstration by members of Afghanistan's Hazara minority in Kabul today, killing at least 80 people and wounding at least 231, officials said. Graphic television footage from the site of the blasts showed many dead bodies lying on the bloodied road, close to where thousands of Hazara had been demonstrating over the route of a planned multimillion dollar power line. The Afghan public health ministry says at least 80 dead and 231 wounded had been taken to nearby hospitals, but the numbers may change. It was not immediately clear how many bombs were involved in the attack, but an eyewitness WION spoke to claims he heard three distinct blasts. Afghan President condemns attack Thousands of demonstrators had gathered to demand that a multi-million-dollar power line pass through their electricity-starved province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population. In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the carnage, adding that the casualties included security officials. "Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces." "The horrific attack on a group of peaceful protesters in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life," Amnesty International further said in a statement. "Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all," Ghani said. Pakistan condemns blasts, expresses deep grief Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) on Sunday said in a statement that "Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist acts in Kabul". "The government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences and profound sympathies to the families of the bereaved people and convey their earnest prayers and wishes for early recovery of those injured in this heinous act of terrorism," it said.? The protest march was largely peaceful before the explosion struck as the demonstrators sought to march on the presidential palace, waving flags and chanting slogans such as "death to discrimination". Emergency vehicles were at the site and wounded were being carried away. Much of the city centre had been sealed off with stacks of shipping containers and other obstacles as the march began earlier today, and security was tight with helicopters patrolling overhead. Islamic State reportedly claimed the responsibility for the blasts, which came some three weeks after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people in an attack on newly graduated police cadets that was claimed by the Taliban. Hazaras have long suffered discrimination Rereouting of 500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul through two provinces with large Hazara populations, government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. The Persian-speaking Hazara, a mainly Shia group estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan's third-largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed under Taliban rule. The protest by a group whose leaders include members of the national unity government had put pressure on President Ashraf Ghani, who has faced growing opposition from both inside and outside the government. It also risked exacerbating ethnic tensions with other groups and provinces the government says would have to wait up to three years for power if the route were changed. The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of the so-called TUTAP project backed by the Asia Development Bank, linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hazaras say they want the line to come through Bamyan and Wardak provinces, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, to ensure their power supply. The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the two provinces and denies it disadvantages Hazara people. Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. An earlier plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was dropped. Eyewitness talks to WION A demonstrator Ejaz Malikzada spoke to WION over the phone after the incident and confirmed that the protests were largely peaceful. He is the one who claimed that at least three explosions rocked the demonstrations. In a series of posts on microblogging site Twitter, he shared some videos capturing the ensuing choas. Dead and injured bodies in the scene of #explosion. #KabulBlast #kabulprotest #Afghanistan #Kabul pic.twitter.com/YTLmzxsL7R — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 pic.twitter.com/jxRNrrsLg9 — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 Scene of the #explosion. #KabulBlast #kabulprotest pic.twitter.com/wi7sRIOrtG — Ejaz Malikzada (@EjazMalikzada) July 23, 2016 (Reuters, AFP and WION)

At least 80 killed, more than 231 injured in suicide bomb attack in Kabul

Thousands of people from Afghanistan&#39;s Hazara minority demonstrated in the capital Kabul today to demand changes to the route of a planned multi-million dollar power transmission line. 
 
The demonstrators are demanding that the 500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul be re-routed through two provinces with large Hazara populations, an option the government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. 
 
Waving Afghan flags and chanting slogans like &quot;Justice! Justice!&quot; and &quot;Death to discrimination!&quot;, demonstrators gathered near Kabul University, several kilometres from the main government area, which police sealed off. 
 
Security was tight and helicopters patrolled overhead but there was no sign of trouble as the protest began. 
 
The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of a project backed by the Asia Development Bank aimed at linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
 
Hazaras say they want the transmission line to come through their area because that would ensure their power supply. 
 
Only 30 per cent of country connected to electricity system&nbsp; 
 
The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the provinces of Bamyan and Wardak, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, and denies accusations that it disadvantages Hazara people, a mainly Shia minority. 
 
Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. 
 
An earlier version of the plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was subsequently dropped. 
 
The Persian-speaking Hazara, estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan&#39;s third largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed during Taliban rule. 
 
However, they are politically well-organised and several of their leaders are part of President Ashraf Ghani&#39;s delicately balanced national unity government, which has added to the sensitivity surrounding the protests. 
 
&quot;We will not allow them to enjoy their time in palaces while those who voted for them stay in darkness,&quot; said demonstrator Mohammad Ali, 34. 
 
Saturday&#39;s demonstration follows a protest in May, after which Ghani promised a committee of inquiry into the case. That committee, however, recommended sticking with the route through the Salang pass. 
 
Strengthening and expanding Afghanistan&#39;s creaking power network is among the government&#39;s top development priorities as currently only 30 per cent of the country is connected to the electricity system. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Hazaras say they want the transmission line to come through their area because that would ensure their power supply

Thousands of people from Afghanistan's Hazara minority demonstrated in the capital Kabul today to demand changes to the route of a planned multi-million dollar power transmission line. The demonstrators are demanding that the 500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul be re-routed through two provinces with large Hazara populations, an option the government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years. Waving Afghan flags and chanting slogans like "Justice! Justice!" and "Death to discrimination!", demonstrators gathered near Kabul University, several kilometres from the main government area, which police sealed off. Security was tight and helicopters patrolled overhead but there was no sign of trouble as the protest began. The transmission line, intended to provide secure electricity to 10 provinces is part of a project backed by the Asia Development Bank aimed at linking energy-rich states of Central Asia with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Hazaras say they want the transmission line to come through their area because that would ensure their power supply. Only 30 per cent of country connected to electricity system The government says the project already guarantees ample power to the provinces of Bamyan and Wardak, west of Kabul, where many Hazaras live, and denies accusations that it disadvantages Hazara people, a mainly Shia minority. Under current plans, due to be implemented by 2018, the line will pass from a converter station in the northern town of Pul-e Khumri to Kabul through the mountainous Salang pass. An earlier version of the plan foresaw a longer route from Pul-e Khumri through Bamyan and Wardak, but this option was subsequently dropped. The Persian-speaking Hazara, estimated to make up about 9 per cent of the population, are Afghanistan's third largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination. Thousands were killed during Taliban rule. However, they are politically well-organised and several of their leaders are part of President Ashraf Ghani's delicately balanced national unity government, which has added to the sensitivity surrounding the protests. "We will not allow them to enjoy their time in palaces while those who voted for them stay in darkness," said demonstrator Mohammad Ali, 34. Saturday's demonstration follows a protest in May, after which Ghani promised a committee of inquiry into the case. That committee, however, recommended sticking with the route through the Salang pass. Strengthening and expanding Afghanistan's creaking power network is among the government's top development priorities as currently only 30 per cent of the country is connected to the electricity system. (Reuters)

Minority Hazaras in Kabul demand changes to planned multi-million dollar power transmission line