ASIA/PAKISTAN - Police warn Christians: danger of terrorist attacks

Monday, 19 November 2018 terrorism political islam violence persecutions religious minorities local churches

PAKISTAN

2024-11-28
Protests suspended: situation in Islamabad remains tense

2024-11-19
The commitment of the Franciscans: interreligious dialogue defuses religious and social tensions

2024-11-08
Another step towards the beatification of Akash Bashir: "spiritual miracles of conversion" are taking place

2024-11-07
Air pollution: religious communities launch initiatives to protect the "common home"

2024-10-18
Controversial Islamic preacher visits the Pakistani government

2024-09-27
Militants of the "Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan" in action: analysts and social organizations ask the government for clarification

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - The Pakistan police have sent a letter to all the leaders of Christian institutes warning them about possible terrorist attacks, organized in connection with the case of Asia Bibi. This is what Agenzia Fides learns, which has examined the alert issued by the Lahore Police Inspectorate. The note states that terrorist organizations such as "Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan" and "Jamaat-ul-Ahrar" are planning attacks aimed at the Christian community, in reaction to Asia Bibi's acquittal, the Christian woman accused of blasphemy and acquitted by the Supreme Court on October 31st.
In this regard, the police urges Christian institutions to "pay attention to vigilance", informing that new security measures will be put in place to protect Christian places and churches.
Bishop Humphrey Peters, Anglican pastor at the head of the "Church of Pakistan" in Peshawar, told Fides that the police "assured that they will do everything to protect the churches in the city", and adds: "We know it is a critical moment. Christians in Pakistani have trust in the security forces. We will continue to carry out our role in society, in full cooperation with law enforcement and government".
Catholic layman Adeel Patras Chaudhry, vice president of "Jesus Life TV" speaking to Fides declares: "Christians will pay close attention and act with caution in the organization of gatherings and celebrations at Christmas time. We pray for the protection of the faithful and also of the security forces, committed to our protection. We are aware of the delicate situation and collaborate with the police and with the Government".
Fr. Qaisar Feroz, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Social Communications in the Catholic Episcopal Conference, reminds Fides of the correct view on the case of Asia Bibi: "The decision of the Supreme Court has restored justice and truth to this case, in which an innocent was in jail. We hope that the woman can lead a happy life. All citizens must see, in all this, the good for Pakistan: a nation where legality and law are still respected. This is our idea of Pakistan". (PA-AG) (Agenzia Fides, 19/11/2018)