MPs took part in a debate on the position of the Hazara community in Afghanistan and Pakistan, on 1 September 2014.

The subject was chosen by the Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, John Denham.

Hazaras are of Mongolian and Central Asian descent. The vast majority practice Shia Islam, in predominantly Sunni Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Pakistani city of Quetta is home to about 600,000 Hazara Shias. The city has been plagued by regional violence between Sunni militants and the local ethnic Hazara community.

In January 2013, Pakistan witnessed its bloodiest day in recent history, when over 100 people lost their lives in twin bombings in the city.

The Sunni militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The Pakistani government has faced widespread criticism for its inability to stop the violence.