Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – The Pakistani government is working to eliminate “the cancer of terrorism” in the country. This is what the newly-elected President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has explained, in mentioning the executive effort to overcome terrorist forces that threaten civil coexistence in the nation.
The President made a statement to reassure the nation, in the wake of the attack that on the evening of September 20 destroyed the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, killing over 50 people and wounding over 150.
“Pakistan is ours and we will save it,” he said, condemning the acts of those who caused these deaths during the sacred month of Ramadan and recalling that the extremists responsible for them “are not real Muslims.” “Islam and the other religions do not approve of such barbarities,” he said, as he called on the country to use positive forces to overcome the terrorists and make democracy and human rights triumph in Pakistan.
The attack has been universally condemned by the organizations of civil society and minor religions, including the Christian churches, who have pointed out that disregard for life is an abhorring act, which shows the evil of any ideology that can be behind such acts that affect the lives of completely innocent people.
In particular, the Catholic Church in Pakistan, for years now has been indicating what should be the priorities for the country, soliciting reforms, guarantees, and rights, political and economic stability. The Catholic community recently explained the need for democratic reform, the fight against fundamentalism, an intervention in the economy in order to guarantee the welfare of the population, especially the less-favored groups. In this context, the question of religious minorities is yet to be resolved, as is the case of the Christian religion. There is still a need to guarantee rights, freedom, and respect for Christians, as for all citizens. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/9/2008)
