Protest against sectarian killings - Shia minister lost his job in Pakistan

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Because of his continued objection to sectarian killings and violence, Shia-Hazara Education Minister Jan Ali Changezi was asked to give up his position in Baluchistan. Provincial Chief Minister Aslam Raisani announced last night he demoted Minister Changezi.The Minister had earlier strongly criticized the provincial government for its inability to rein down on sectarian violence, saying the situation in Quetta for all Shia-Hazara was worsening.Talking to the media, Changhezi explained he had been informed of the decision while in Islamabad. He added he had told Chief Minister Aslam Raisani of the alarming increasing rate of murder in Quetta, with five to six Shia-Hazara being killed every day. He also called on the provincial government to resign over the matter as it clearly could not cope with the situation. “It is my duty to represent my constituency and to voice my people’s concerns, even if it means losing my position,” declared the former Minister.He remarked. “I took a principled stance not to attend the special session of Balochistan Assembly that reposed confidence in Raisani,” he said.At least 140 people from the Shia-Hazara community have been killed by the sectarian terrorists in Quetta and other areas of Baluchistan this year./129