Rise in Taliban attacks worries Pakistan’s Christians
April 22, 2013
Pakistan’s Christians are deeply concerned about a surge of Taliban attacks ahead of the upcoming Pakistani presidential election, according to a Dominican priest.
The attacks include the April 11 murder of Fakhrul Islam, a candidate who called for a more secular state.
“We are very concerned about this wave of violence,” said Father James Channan, director of the Center for Peace in Lahore. “The attacks are aimed at creating tension and instability and threaten the painstakingly built democratic system in Pakistan, perhaps trying to postpone the vote. In addition there is disdain towards the vision of human dignity, human rights, and peaceful coexistence which are the foundations of civilized life.”
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Further information:
- Terrorist attacks against candidates and political parties: Christians' appeal for democracy (Fides)
- ‘The Biggest Threat to Pakistan’s Fledgling Democracy’ (Wall Street Journal)
- US slams MQM candidate Fakhrul Islam’s murder (The News, Karachi)
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Posted by: chady -
Apr. 23, 2013 6:31 AM ET USA
This Pakistani Government seems at odds with its self over the way Sharia Law is administered regionally by the Mullahs. This is with respect of the Blasphemy Law. It seems the law is indiscriminately applied. Asia Bibi is a case in point. This faithful servant of God has been condemned to death under the country’s blasphemy laws. She is the first woman in Pakistani history to be treated in this way. Her crime is to refuse to convert to Islam and remaining true to her Christian faith.
