Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – Christians in Pakistan express their full solidarity with the Sikh community of believers and strongly condemns the attacks of the Taliban, confirming the urgent need to defend the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
As Fides learns from Nadeem Anthony, a Christian working in the "Commission on Human Rights in Pakistan," in recent days, in the tribal areas bordering a Taliban-dominated area of Afghanistan, two Sikh believers were threatened, kidnapped, and later beheaded, as their families who were poor farmers were not able to pay the ransom demanded.
The incident has generated protests from the Sikh community in various cities of Pakistan and came to the attention of civil authorities and groups active in defense of human rights.
"Religious minorities such as Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus are under constant pressure and threats from the Taliban, especially in tribal areas. We ask the central government to take urgent measures to protect minorities," Nadeem Anthony told Fides.
The majority of the population (Christian, Sikhs and Hindus) living in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, especially in the area of the Swat Valley, have fled the atrocities and ruthlessness of the Taliban. Few families have courageously stayed behind and suffer the harassment of Muslim fundamentalists. Taliban demand conversion to Islam or the payment of Jizia, the Islamic tax imposed on non-Muslim minorities. Those who refuse or cannot pay, risk their lives.
Among the fiercest militants are members of the group "Terhek-e-Taliban," defined by observers as the most dangerous and violent faction of the Pakistani Taliban, responsible for suicide attacks since 2007, which have killed over 3,000 people.
The Sikhs are a small community in Pakistan, but with a centuries-old presence in areas like Punjab and the North West Frontier Province. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 25/02/2010)
