Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – "The non-governmental organizations are the favorite target of Islamic extremists. Especially for what they represent in Pakistani society: human rights, freedom, democracy" Fides is told by Peter Jacobs, a lay Catholic and the Executive Secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission" at the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, following the terrorist attack against the Christian-based NGO "World Vision,” which claimed 6 victims. The American NGO has temporarily suspended the operations and projects it had in Pakistan, in favor of children, families, economic integration, and especially education and social development.
"Threats against NGOs, associations, and organizations of civil society are growing," Peter Jacob told Fides with concern. Jacob has been with the Commission for Justice and Peace working on an awareness campaign for human rights and promotion of religious minorities.
"Even those of us at Justice and Peace have received threats and we know that many other NGOs are being intimidated. What scares extremists is the patient work of educating civil society, promotion of dignity and human rights, democratic development, education, and the work carried out in favor of the emancipation of disadvantaged classes, women, children. The valuable work done by all the associations of civil society in Pakistan - without discrimination of any kind - represents a danger that they must seek to eliminate.”
Jacob told Fides: "There are several Islamic extremist groups conducting such campaigns and organizing terrorist attacks against us. Our work has become very dangerous. We ask the support of the authorities to combat extremism."
"It is essential that the government and civil society act in synergy in the field of political education and mass media, to disarm ideological extremists. Also, in order to promote police commitment to ensuring security to those who defend human rights: this is an effort that is useful and valuable to the entire nation," says Jacob. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/03/2010)
