Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – Mass and prayer vigils were celebrated in more than 500 churches in Pakistan yesterday, concluding three days of mourning to remember Catholic Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, killed on 2 March in Islamabad. There were also peaceful marches on the streets. In Southern Punjab more than 4,000 marched. A special commemoration will be held in Karachi on 18 March with political and religious leaders. And civil society in Pakistan is organising a “Caravan for Shahbaz”, which will stop in each of Pakistan's major cities to create awareness for minorities' rights.
“Unfortunately today we no longer feel as secure living in this country. If they killed a Minister, what could happen to us?” Fr Mario Rodriguez, National Director of the PMS in Pakistan comments to Fides. “After the death of Bhatti, our work is to continue praying, to have faith and hope, and to continue making the local people aware of the situation – always in a peaceful manner. We will carry this out during Lent, with Easter in sight, with courage and faith, out of respect for Bhatti's memory.
Fr Mario points out that, together with the killers, “lawyers, journalists, politicians and radical Islamic religious leaders are also responsible for his death, because they glorified the extremists and the assassins, and contributed to propagating a climate of hatred and intolerance in Pakistani society.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2011)
