ASIA/PAKISTAN - Violence against minorities: the governor of Punjab meets religious leaders

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - After the tragedy in Kasur - where a Christian married couple was burned to death for alleged blasphemy - the governor of Punjab, Muhammad Sarwar, met with a delegation of Christian and Muslim religious leaders. As Fides learns, among those present were the Anglican Bishop Samuel Robert Azriah, Bishop Romal Shaw, Fr. James Channan OP, head of the "Peace Center" in Lahore, Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, President of the "Council of Ulama of Pakistan", and other well-known Muslim leaders.
In the meeting, held on November 18, religious leaders asked what strategies and paths the Pakistani government intends to take with regards to the crime of Kasur, to ensure justice and prevent other incidents of violence against minorities. Sarwar expressed his deep shock, saying that he even thought of resigning "because I failed to protect Christians". "If a government fails to protect its citizens, it does not have the right and does not deserve to govern. The feeling of insecurity in the country is very painful", said Sarwar. The government in Punjab has promised every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice and end impunity. "Impunity for attacks against Christians in Shanti Nagar, in Gojra and Joseph colony in Lahore is a matter of serious concern for me", added the governor. Commenting on the misuse of the blasphemy law, Sarwar remarked: "If a person falsely accuses another person of blasphemy, he/she must be punished". He then confirmed his appreciation "for the role of Christians, who have always worked for peace and harmony in the country".
Even Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashraf, President of the "Council of Ulama of Pakistan," said: "If the perpetrators of past attacks had been punished, perhaps the murder of Kasur would not have happened". "Christians are our fellow citizens - he added - and we mourn with them", pointing out that over one hundred ulamas have visited the scene of the crime, in the district of Kasur, bringing condolences and solidarity. "We are with you and with you we will raise the voice for justice", he concluded, turning to Christian leaders present. Bishop Azariah and other Christians present thanked the ulama and all Muslims who "are next to the Christians in this difficult moment".
Yesterday, November 19, a public gathering of Christian and Muslim religious leaders, representatives of civil society and activists was held in the town of Kot Radha Krishan, in Kasur district, the area where Shahzad Masih and Shama were lynched. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2014)


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