Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "The only path, the only answer to the terrible massacre in Peshawar is to rediscover the unity of the country; to rediscover the core of humanity and coexistence that founds the nation; to send a strong message of unity against violence and terrorism, which has to start not only from the government but from the heart of every citizen of Pakistan": is what Mr. Cecil Shane Chaudhry, Executive Director of the "Justice and Peace" Commission of the Catholic Bishops of Pakistan (NCJP) said to Agenzia Fides, after the attack of the Pakistani Taliban against a military school in Peshawar yesterday, December 16th. The attack caused the death of 142 people, including 132 children.
Today vigils of prayer are organized throughout Pakistan, in a day of national mourning.
In the interview with Fides, Chaudhry said: "The massacre is a blow to the heart of the nation and poses a question not only to the government but to every citizen. What kind of country are we building? Churches and many civil society organizations are doing their part to promote peace, tolerance, harmony, humanitarian aid. Today it is urgent to rediscover the roots of civil, social and religious coexistence in Pakistan".
Moreover, he continues, "a serious question is raised regarding those who foment and use Islamic religious fundamentalism".
Even Catholic lawyer Mushtaq Gill Sardar, active human rights defender, contacted by Fides, notes: "We strongly condemn this atrocity. We Christians in Pakistan feel united with our fellow Muslims, marked by pain, and we join our prayers to theirs. We tell them: we grieve the loss of your loved ones and your children with you. We ask the Pakistani government to take serious steps to eradicate terrorism and religious extremism from Pakistan. It is time to take action against those who openly spread religious hatred, extremism and terrorism in the name of religion". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2014)
