More than 100 people are killed and 270 injured in several bomb blasts in Pakistan.

A Day of Profound Tragedy: Unpacking the Bombings of January 10, 2013, in Pakistan

January 10, 2013, marked a grim day in Pakistan's history, as a series of coordinated and separate bomb attacks across the country resulted in significant loss of life and widespread injuries. These tragic incidents underscored the severe security challenges and the escalating threat of sectarian violence faced by the nation, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Devastating Quetta Bombings Targeting the Hazara Community

The southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, bore the brunt of the day's violence with two coordinated bombings. These brutal attacks, which primarily targeted the Hazara Shia Muslim minority community, claimed a total of 130 lives and left at least 270 individuals injured. The first explosion occurred at a snooker club in the bustling Alamdar Road area, a Hazara-dominated locality. This initial blast attracted rescue workers and onlookers, only for a second, more powerful bomb to detonate shortly after, magnifying the casualty count. This deliberate tactic, known as a 'double-tap' attack, aimed to maximize fatalities among first responders and those attempting to assist victims.

The Hazara community, an ethnically distinct Shia minority, has historically faced systemic discrimination and targeted violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. Sunni extremist militant groups, most notably Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), have frequently claimed responsibility for such sectarian attacks, aiming to cleanse the region of Shia Muslims. The bombings on January 10, 2013, were part of a long and harrowing series of assaults on the Hazara population, highlighting their extreme vulnerability and the persistent failure to provide adequate security.

Aftermath and Unprecedented Protests by the Hazara Community

The scale and brutality of the Quetta bombings ignited widespread outrage, leading to unprecedented and prolonged protests by the city's Hazara community. In a powerful demonstration of grief and demand for justice, hundreds of Hazaras, including women and children, staged a sit-in alongside the coffins of their loved ones in Quetta. They refused to bury the dead for several days, demanding immediate and decisive action from the federal government to protect their community and hold perpetrators accountable. Their primary demand was the imposition of Governor's Rule in Balochistan, which would effectively dismiss the provincial government deemed incapable of ensuring their safety.

The intensity and duration of these protests exerted immense pressure on the federal government. Responding to the mounting crisis and the Hazara community's unwavering resolve, then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Raja Pervez Ashraf, took significant political action. He dismissed the incumbent Chief Minister of Balochistan, Aslam Raisani, and subsequently announced the imposition of Governor's Rule in the province, appointing the then Governor, Zulfikar Ali Magsi, to oversee the provincial administration. This extraordinary measure marked a direct response to the perceived failure of the provincial government to maintain law and order and protect its citizens, especially the beleaguered Hazara community.

A Separate Attack in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

On the very same day, far from Quetta, another devastating bomb exploded in Mingora, the main city of Swat District in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This separate act of terror, which occurred near a religious gathering, killed 22 people and injured 60 others. While distinct from the sectarian violence in Quetta, the Swat bombing underscored the pervasive threat of militant groups, notably the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which had historically held sway in the region before military operations dislodged them. The attack served as a stark reminder of the enduring security challenges across different regions of Pakistan, each grappling with unique facets of terrorism and extremism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened in Quetta on January 10, 2013?
On January 10, 2013, two coordinated bombings occurred in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, primarily targeting the Hazara Shia Muslim community. These attacks, one at a snooker club and a second, larger explosion following shortly after, resulted in 130 fatalities and 270 injuries.
Who were the primary targets of the Quetta bombings?
The primary targets of the Quetta bombings were members of the Hazara Shia Muslim community, an ethnic and religious minority in Pakistan that has historically faced severe persecution and targeted sectarian violence from extremist groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).
How did the Pakistani government respond to the Quetta protests?
Following intense and unprecedented protests by the Hazara community, who refused to bury their dead, then Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf dismissed the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Aslam Raisani. He subsequently imposed Governor's Rule in the province and appointed Governor Zulfikar Ali Magsi to administer the province, addressing demands for stronger security measures.
Was the Swat District bombing related to the Quetta attacks?
No, the bombing in Swat District on the same day, which killed 22 people and injured 60, was a separate incident. While both highlighted Pakistan's security challenges, the Quetta attacks were driven by sectarian motives against the Hazara community, whereas the Swat bombing occurred in a region historically affected by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)'s insurgency.