Congressman Sherman Responds to Terrorist Attack on the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine in Pakistan’s Sindh Province

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brad Sherman released the following statement in response to the deadly terrorist attack on a Sufi shrine in Pakistan's Sindh Province, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on peaceful religious gatherers:

"My sympathies are with the peaceful Sufi worshipers and the people of Sindh, who were attacked at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan on Thursday. The shrine, dedicated to the Saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, is an important site for the Sufi faith and attracts many thousands of pilgrims each year.

"Including today's attack, over a hundred innocent Pakistanis were killed in multiple attacks around the country this week.

"As the Chairman of the Sindh Caucus and Ranking Member of the Asia Pacific Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am well aware of the proliferation of terrorist organizations within Pakistan, and the need for more concerted efforts to combat terrorism in South Asia.

"I know that we will continue to work with Pakistan to combat terrorism. We should especially support those in Pakistan that are most affected by terror and those forces in Pakistan that are on the front lines of our efforts to defeat militant groups.

"However, Pakistan's intelligence services have for too long supported some terrorist organizations while combating others. It is impossible to get a handle on fanatical and violent groups when you play this double game. Unfortunately, we have a situation where ISIS can operate within Pakistan and carry out attacks as it did this week."