ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Around 27 cases of sectarianism have been reported in Ministry of Interior since January this year which showed a decline as compared to 127 in 2013.
A break-up of reported cases for this year showed that one case was reported in Punjab, seven in Sindh, seven in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), seven in Balochistan and five cases were reported from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) while no case of sectarianism was reported from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
During last seven years, total 688 incidents of sectarian terrorism were reported, of which 70 were recorded during 2011, 185 in 2012, 127 in 2013, 176 in 2014, 79 in 2015, 37 during 2016 and 27 incidents in 2017.
With regard to action/measures taken, the statistics revealed that Ministry of Interior in collaboration with provincial governments has ensured capacity building of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), permanent check posts have been established at all entry/exit points, patrolling on frequent routes, mobile patrolling and mobile jamming during religious events and development and dissemination of counter narrative on religion and nationalism.