GUNMEN UNLEASH DEADLY FURY ON UNARMED SHIITE MUSLIMS: 42 DEAD AND COUNTING

Gunmen opened fire on vehicles carrying Shiite Muslims in Pakistan's troubled northwest on Thursday, killing at least 42 people, including six women, and wounding 20 others in one of the region's deadliest such attacks in recent memory.

The attack occurred when unidentified assailants fired at two buses and two trucks carrying the Shia community members who were heading to a religious gathering. Gunmen who were hiding behind trees and at hideouts started firing at the two buses and two trucks when they reached the outskirts of the Peshawar city.

The targeted attack claimed the lives of at least 42 people on the spot while over 20 people sustained serious injuries. They were shifted to the nearby Lady Reading Hospital, where some of the injured were listed as being in a critical condition.

No group has claimed the responsibility of the attack so far, but this is not the first time that the minority Shia community has come under attack in the region. Shia Muslims have repeatedly been targeted by Sunni militant groups in Pakistan, who see them as heretics and a product of Iranian influence.

The incident took place in the Orakzai tribal agency, which is located near the Afghanistan border and has long been considered a militant hub. According to local officials, law enforcement and rescue teams immediately reached the site of the attack and transferred the injured people to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar for the provision of medical facilities.

Paramilitary troops also cordoned off the area, and an investigation into the deadly incident has been launched. A large number of local people were present at the scene, protesting against the anti-Shia attacks and demanding the protection of the minority community.

This recent and ruthless attack spread panic and chaos among the people and exposed once again that the northwestern region of Pakistan is reeling under unabated sectarian violence. Protests rallies were held by different groups, questioning how and why such attacks continue unabated in Pakistan despite carrying out military operations against terrorist outfits.

Strict safety measures and security were enforced by the local administration in the city of Peshawar and surrounding areas. President and Prime Minister of the country as well as other leaders condemned the terrorist incident and expressed their shock and grief over the loss of innocent lives.

Ghastly scenes of the tragic incident that involved life loss were witnessed in the city and the news of unceasing chaos shook many souls. The police tightened up the grip on terrorists to save innocent lives in any future eventuality.