Sectarian Violence in Pakistan

Sectarian violence in Pakistan refers to attacks against people and places in Pakistan motivated by antagonism toward their sect, usually a religious group, which in Pakistan may include the Sunni majority, Shia, and the small Ahmadi, and Christian religious groups. According to the human rights group Human Rights Watch, in 2011 and 2012, Pakistan minority groups Shia, Ahmadi, and Christians "faced unprecedented insecurity and persecution in the country”. Attacks on Sunni Sufi shrines by "militants" have also been reported.

Among those blamed for the sectarian violence in the country are mainly Sunni militants such as Sipah-e-Sahaba, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, and members of Shia militant groups such as Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan. However, predominant Sunni militant groups are often blamed for attacks on the minority Shias (Shiites) resulting in reprisal attacks by them.