Sunni and Shia Muslims plan a united vigil in Surrey

by Charlie Smith on Mar 10, 2013 at 11:52 am
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Co-op Radio host Imtiaz Popat (left with NDP MLA Raj Chouhan) is an organizer of the rally in Surrey.
Charlie Smith

Lower Mainland Muslims want to show that they're united against sectarian violence in Pakistan.

Sunnis and Shias will hold a vigil together at 5:30 p.m. today at Holland Park across from the King George SkyTrain station.

It's to remember those who've lost their lives in Pakistan because of the government's unwillingness to stop violence against minorities.

Co-op Radio host Imtiaz Popat, one of the organizers, sent out an announcement yesterday, citing a March 3 attack on Shias in Karachi. It killed at least 45 and left about 200 wounded.

He noted that 2012 was the bloodiest year on record for Shia followers in Pakistan with more than 400 deaths.

"We would also demand the Canadian government do something to immediately take up this issue with the government of Pakistan," Popat said in the release.

He emphasized that this has "caused severe grief and anguish" to Canadians of Pakistani origin.

Meanwhile, Christians have taken to the streets in the Pakistani city of Lahore today to protest about 100 arson attacks by militants.

The BBC has reported that police have arrested 150 people in response.

Comments (3) Add New Comment
Anon 62
Mar 10, 2013 at 2:26 pm
This problem is bigger than just Pakistan. There are problems (ie. suicide bombings etc.) between Sunni and Shia all over the middle east (like Syria, Iraq, Kuwait). And it would be really nice if they accepted responsibility for their infighting instead of blaming the Jews as some of their brethren do. The problem is yours. Your peoples are causing it. Only you can fix it.
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MOHHAMMED
Mar 11, 2013 at 1:53 am
ALLAHU AKBAR!
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Tolerance is a two way street.
Mar 11, 2013 at 9:57 am
Why do Muslims demand people to tolerate them in their adopted countries, along with their fourteenth century practices, whilst not tolerating anyone who isn't Muslim in their own countries, of which they have many? Anyone read about the Christians in Pakistan whom just had their homes and business razed in a Kristallnacht-esque manner?
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