Why is it an Area of Concern?

The level of direct violence in Pakistan, matching those seen in Iraq and Sudan, meets Genocide Intervention Network standards for an Area of Concern.

In terms of typology of violence in Pakistan, the repeated suicide bombings targeting civilian areas in Peshwar, Lahore and Islamabad by anti-government groups constitutes a tactical targeting of civilians by perpetrators. Insurgents in the FATA and NWFP also tactically target those who oppose their strictures, including musicians, local politicians and teachers.

The Pakistani government’s actions in the FATA and the NWFP appear to take some efforts to avoid civilian casualties, but some fighting, including the widespread use of heavy artillery and aerial attacks appear suggest an indifference to the effect of these weapons on civilian livelihoods.