Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – Christians in Pakistan, under pressures from Islamic fundamentalist groups, are not stopping and continue on their national campaign to make people aware and ask the government for increased protection. As is explained in statement sent to Agenzia Fides from Peter Jacob, Director of the National Justice and Peace Commission of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, the Christians of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have taken to the streets in recent days, in a peaceful demonstration in favor of minorities who should be guaranteed their rights and protection from the government, so that freedom of worship, religion, expression, and education may be preserved and all Pakistani citizens, even those non-Muslim citizens, may live in peace.
Christians, especially, have called for justice in light of the recent senseless attacks suffered by the faithful of Gojra and other towns, asking that the terrible law against blasphemy be revoked, as it continues to be used as a weapon of intimidation against religious minorities.
The campaign, the Justice and Peace Commission said, will continue “until justice is met,” while on the political playing field, the Federal Minister for Minorities, Shehbaz Batti, has declared his commitment to avoiding further bloodshed for religious reasons and “prevent tragedies like Gojra,” and has announced a national campaign to promote harmony, tolerance, and social peace in the country.
In the meantime, the local police of Gojra, in the Punjab Region, have arrested four people from among those responsible for the attacks on Christian buildings, on August 1. In the attacks, over 3,000 Muslim fundamentalists burned houses, killing 8 Christians and wounding many, and forcing Christian families in the area to flee their homes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/9/2009)
