Four members of a Pakistani Christian family were shot dead in Quetta city in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
A member of the Iraqi rapid response forces walks past a wall painted with the black flag commonly used by Islamic State militants, at a hospital damaged by clashes during a battle between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants in the Wahda district of eastern Mosul. (Reuters File)
On Monday night, armed men intercepted the vehicle carrying the family and opened fire, Quetta Police spokesperson Mohamed Ramzan said on Tuesday. They fled on a motorcycle after the attack, Dawn online reported.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
The militant group in a press statement said that a “covert unit” of IS militants “managed to target a number of the combatant Christians”.
The statement added that the militants “shot them with a pistol, which resulted in the killing of four of them”.
The attack came a day after Pakistani Christians, a mere two per cent of the country’s population, had celebrated Easter Sunday. Attacks against Christians are frequent in Pakistan.
In December 2017, a week before Christmas, two IS suicide bombers had stormed into a packed church in Quetta and killed 10 and wounded 44 people.
In March 2016, the Taliban targeted Christians celebrating Easter in a park in Lahore killing 71 people.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.
