It is killing season in Pakistan. For the country’s most vulnerable, it is perpetual, bloody, and passes without redress or justice. For Shias, since 1990, there has been little respite from an open season of violence. Last week, at least 42 Shia pilgrims, including six women and children, who were traveling in the northern town of Parachinar, the capital of Kurram district, were killed when their convoys came under heavy gunfire. They had been traveling with police escorts, so blatant and longstanding is the threat to Shias in Pakistan. More than 20 people were wounded, and another 26 Shia pilgrims were abducted by the unknown militants – no one has claimed responsibility. Clashes between rival groups erupted in the days after the ambush. At least 88 people have been killed since the latest outbreak of violence began, according to local authorities. ….more