Pakistan’s Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Sufi shrine attacked by Islamic State, at least 70 killed

Islamic State claimed responsibility via their Amaq News Agency for the suicide bombing at Pakistan’s Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Sufi shrine that killed at least 70 people and wounded 250. According to al Jazeera, the terrorist attack occurred while hundreds of people were gathered for a ritual.

The explosion went off at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Sufi shrine in the town of Sehwan, in Sindh province, as a ritual was being performed.

Sikandar Mandhro, Sindh’s health minister, told Al Jazeera: “There was a huge crowd gathered there for the [religious gathering] at the shrine, and there was a very big explosion.”

Hundreds of people, often thousands, gather at the shrine every Thursday to pray and participate in the Sufi tradition of dhamaal – a form of devotional percussion and dance.” – Al Jazeera

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In a recent statement, Prime Minster Muhammad Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to do everything he can to protect all citizens of Pakistan regardless of their religion.

An attack on one of us, is an attack on all. The attack on the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar represents an attack on the progressive, inclusive future of Pakistan; one where every man, woman and child is entitled to life, liberty and property in the pursuit of happiness no matter their religion,” he said in a statement issued by PM’s Media Office. – Daily Pakistan

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Islam State does not recognize or tolerate Sufism’s mystical form of Islam. Sufi’s are and will continue to be popular targets for Islamic State throughout the Middle East and Asia. More to follow. 

Featured image courtesy of India.com