Pakistan: Four dead in suspected sectarian attack near Quetta Sep. 10

Event

Gunmen on a motorcycle killed four members of a Shi'a Hazara family traveling from Afghanistan and injured two more in a drive-by shooting near a gas station 30 km (19 mi) north of Quetta, Balochistan province. Although the attack has not been claimed, local security forces suspect it was a sectarian attack targeting the minority Shi'a community.

Context

Pakistan is vulnerable to high levels of violence in general, including serious ethnic conflict between different communities. Threats associated with terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence are high throughout the country, and can target Western nationals.

Advice

Individuals in the region are advised to exercise extreme caution. As a reminder, Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to Pakistan due to a nationwide high threat from terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence. Travel should only be considered with strict security protocols in place.