ASIA/PAKISTAN - "The Church's mission continues despite terrorism", says the Director of the PMS

Faisalabad (Agenzia Fides) - "The challenge we face as Christians in Pakistan is that of terrorist attacks and to be a community that lives in constant fear. But despite the difficulties, we continue to proclaim and give witness to the Word of God in our lives. Faith is handed down in Christian families and young people grow up full of hope": is what Fr. Waseem Walter, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Pakistan says to Agenzia Fides, commenting on the plight of Christians in the country. After the attacks on churches in Lahore (March 15), new mass violence in the Christian area of Sanda broke out in recent days in Lahore and a massacre was avoided only due to the prompt intervention of the police. Violence was generated by an alleged case of blasphemy against a Christian mentally disabled.
"Christians continue to be persecuted. They are considered by some activists the main target of the blasphemy law, which is used as an excuse to kill, attack churches, homes and property", says in a note sent to Fides, Nasir Saeed, director of the NGO CLAAS (Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement), with offices in the UK and Pakistan. "I think the government should initiate an impartial investigation and those who incite violence against Christians should be punished", he adds. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/05/2015)