February 9, 2022
1 min read

Pak Christians grappling with fear, seek protection

Protesting in front of the Karachi Press Club, Chairman of the Muttahida Masihi Council Noel Ijaz said that the feeling of insecurity within the Christian community had increased following the violent killing….reports Asian Lite News

Several Christian-led activists and rights organisations in Pakistan staged a protest demanding the government better protect the lives and properties of religious minorities in Pakistan, Friday Times reported.

The group called for the arrest and prosecution of the assailants who gunned down Pastor William Siraj and wounded Pastor Patrick Naeem in Peshawar last week.

Protesting in front of the Karachi Press Club, Chairman of the Muttahida Masihi Council Noel Ijaz said that the feeling of insecurity within the Christian community had increased following the violent killing.

Pastor Patrick and Pastor William Siraj.

“We would feel better protected if the police succeed in arresting the attackers and if perpetrators are convicted for their crimes. It is a sad reality that attackers involved in the persecution of minorities usually enjoy impunity,” he observed, the report said.

Protestor Alyas Samuel said that whenever the minorities are attacked, perceived police and government inaction leaves an impression that minorities are second-class citizens, and are not treated equally, the report said.

Another protester, Asif Bastian lamented the government’s response, which he said some believe emboldens terrorists and extremists to oppress and attack minorities, particularly Christians, with impunity.

“Religious minorities are beaten down time and again, and we find no protection. If we fight back, the police put us in jail, but the elements behind mob attacks against minority settlements get away with their crimes,” he commented.

Chairman of Voice for Justice Joseph Jansen cited the government response to the killing of two Muslims in 2015 in retaliation of the Youhanabad church attacks. Police in this instance took direct action and arrested 200 Christians, eventually charging 47 members of the Christian community. A least 41 Christians spent five years in prison until they were finally acquitted, Jansen claimed, noting the government’s quick action in the matter.

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s information war against Baloch nationalists
Previous Story

US trade deficit soars to record high in 2021

Next Story

Jaishankar due in Melbourne for Quad meet

Latest from -Top News

‘Kill and Dump’ Haunts Balochistan Again

The latest killings have reignited accusations of extrajudicial executions and the use of counterterrorism laws to cover up custodial deaths in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News Concerns have deepened across Balochistan following the

‘ASEAN Expands, But Keeps Its Soul’

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan urged ASEAN to uphold its unity and strategic resolve amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and mounting external pressures…reports Asian Lite News Consensus and inclusivity will remain the cornerstones

Bangladesh bends to beat Trump’s blow

Dhaka seeks compromise as Trump’s 35% tariff looms large over key exports; Washington urges worker protections, factory relocation to US…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has opened the second round of critical trade

China seethes as US lands F-35s in PH

As US F-35 jets land in the Philippines for the first time, Manila cements its frontline role in Washington’s power play against rising China….reports Asian Lite News The Philippines is rapidly cementing
Go toTop

Don't Miss

China, Pakistan are neighbours with shared future: Xi

Xi said that China and Pakistan “are close neighbours linked

Exodus from PTI after May 9 chaos

Senior PTI leaders, including some very close aides of Khan,