Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rawalpindi (Agenzia Fides) - Dismay and terror in the Christian community of Rawalpindi. The faithful are still in shock over the incident which occurred on the night of 29 December, when a hall of Protestant Christian worship was set on fire.
According to Pastor Qamar Zaman, in charge of the hall and of the pastoral care of the affected community, "it is an act of intimidation to spread terror and create enmity between Christians and Muslims". Police investigating the blaze haven't ruled out arson. According to the police the perpetrators may have wanted to send a signal of hatred and revenge against the Pastor even though the man has not received previous threats.
Christian lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill told Fides: "Christians in Pakistan suffer from a sense of distrust and fear. Extremists continue to sow terror in the minds of citizens and have no regard either towards the people or the holy places. They want to create disharmony among the faiths in Pakistan and create unrest in the country. Our answer can only be a response of faith and prayer". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/01/2015)
