Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Fides Service) – A Protestant minister was shot dead on January 5 in Khanewal, in central Pakistan. Pastor Mukhtar aged 50, had ministered in Khanewal for14 years first with the Full Gospel Assemblies and then the Church of God. He was on his way to the railway station to catch an early train when he was attacked and shot dead at about three in the morning. The body was found by children who informed the police. The pastor was identified through the identity card he carried. Besides the id card police also found 3,000 Rupees which would indicate that it was not robbery. In fact some think the incident may have been a terrorist attack by fundamentalists. Local Christian leaders say the Pastor had no dispute with anyone in the area. The funeral was held on January 6 in Khanewal. About 1,000 men, women and children attended the service led by Church of God Bishop Rehmat Daniel.
According to the regional branch of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Major Religious Superiors Leadership Conference, 43 people have been killed and 80 seriously injured in attacks targeting Christians since 2002. Christians call for more protection while acknowledging President Musharraf’s courageous commitment to fight terrorism and fundamentalism.
(PA) (Fides Service 8/1/2004 lines 27 words 288)
