Hazara community finds safe haven in Peshawar

Persecuted in Afghanistan and in some parts of Pakistan, the ethnic minority thrives in a historic city.

Hazaras in Pakistan

The ethnic group Hazara make up about 18 per cent of Afghanistan’s population, but many have been forced to flee persecution and war in their country.

More than half a million Hazaras now live in Pakistan, but there too they have been targeted by religious extremists for their Shia Muslim beliefs.

In Balochistan, where most of Hazaras reside, the group Lashkar-e-Jangvi has declared an open war against them. At least 90 Hazaras have been killed since July 30.

But the historic city of Peshawar in the northwest has welcomed them with open arms, and trade seems to be thriving for many members of the small community.

Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder reports.

Source: Al Jazeera