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Thousands at funerals for Karachi blast dead
Source: Agencies |
December 30, 2009, Wednesday
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SEVERAL thousand mourners attended funerals yesterday for victims of a suicide bombing that killed 43 people in Pakistan's commercial capital, an emotional reminder of a raging Taliban insurgency.
Coffins were carried through the crowds after Monday's explosion in Karachi during a procession at the climax of Ashura, one of the most important events in the Shi'ite calendar.
The bombing underscored multiple security challenges facing nuclear-armed United States ally Pakistan at a volatile time for President Asif Ali Zardari, who could be weakened further if corruption charges against close aides are revived.
His political troubles are accompanied by heavy pressure from Washington to root out militants it says use sanctuaries in Pakistan to cross over and attack US-led troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
The government launched a security crackdown last October against al-Qaida-linked Taliban militants in their tribal strongholds in northwest Pakistan and retaliatory bombings since have killed hundreds of people across the country. Although the government blamed militants for the Karachi attack - the third in as many days - some mourners expressed disbelief that fellow Muslims were capable of such carnage.
"I am 100 percent sure that the United States and its agents are behind this attack, and all other such attacks in the country," said Syed Kausar Hussain Zaidi, a Shi'ite lawyer.
Other mourners were furious, shouting confusing slogans - "Down with America. Down with the Taliban. Down with Israel."
Religious scholars urged people to remain peaceful.
In a sign of growing anxiety, trading at Karachi's stock market ended 75 minutes early due to safety concerns.
Investors have factored in the violence. But sustained trouble could hurt financial markets in an economy in virtual recession.
"I appeal to the people of Karachi to stay peaceful. This is the economic hub of Pakistan," Interior Minister Rehman Malik said after attending the funeral of a soldier who had pounced on the suicide bomber.
Coffins were carried through the crowds after Monday's explosion in Karachi during a procession at the climax of Ashura, one of the most important events in the Shi'ite calendar.
The bombing underscored multiple security challenges facing nuclear-armed United States ally Pakistan at a volatile time for President Asif Ali Zardari, who could be weakened further if corruption charges against close aides are revived.
His political troubles are accompanied by heavy pressure from Washington to root out militants it says use sanctuaries in Pakistan to cross over and attack US-led troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
The government launched a security crackdown last October against al-Qaida-linked Taliban militants in their tribal strongholds in northwest Pakistan and retaliatory bombings since have killed hundreds of people across the country. Although the government blamed militants for the Karachi attack - the third in as many days - some mourners expressed disbelief that fellow Muslims were capable of such carnage.
"I am 100 percent sure that the United States and its agents are behind this attack, and all other such attacks in the country," said Syed Kausar Hussain Zaidi, a Shi'ite lawyer.
Other mourners were furious, shouting confusing slogans - "Down with America. Down with the Taliban. Down with Israel."
Religious scholars urged people to remain peaceful.
In a sign of growing anxiety, trading at Karachi's stock market ended 75 minutes early due to safety concerns.
Investors have factored in the violence. But sustained trouble could hurt financial markets in an economy in virtual recession.
"I appeal to the people of Karachi to stay peaceful. This is the economic hub of Pakistan," Interior Minister Rehman Malik said after attending the funeral of a soldier who had pounced on the suicide bomber.
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