Today: 30 May 2025
9 February 2022
1 min read

Pak Christians grappling with fear, seek protection

Protesting in front of the Karachi Press Club, Chairman of the Muttahida Masihi Council Noel Ijaz said that the feeling of insecurity within the Christian community had increased following the violent killing….reports Asian Lite News

Several Christian-led activists and rights organisations in Pakistan staged a protest demanding the government better protect the lives and properties of religious minorities in Pakistan, Friday Times reported.

The group called for the arrest and prosecution of the assailants who gunned down Pastor William Siraj and wounded Pastor Patrick Naeem in Peshawar last week.

Protesting in front of the Karachi Press Club, Chairman of the Muttahida Masihi Council Noel Ijaz said that the feeling of insecurity within the Christian community had increased following the violent killing.

Pastor Patrick and Pastor William Siraj.

“We would feel better protected if the police succeed in arresting the attackers and if perpetrators are convicted for their crimes. It is a sad reality that attackers involved in the persecution of minorities usually enjoy impunity,” he observed, the report said.

Protestor Alyas Samuel said that whenever the minorities are attacked, perceived police and government inaction leaves an impression that minorities are second-class citizens, and are not treated equally, the report said.

Another protester, Asif Bastian lamented the government’s response, which he said some believe emboldens terrorists and extremists to oppress and attack minorities, particularly Christians, with impunity.

“Religious minorities are beaten down time and again, and we find no protection. If we fight back, the police put us in jail, but the elements behind mob attacks against minority settlements get away with their crimes,” he commented.

Chairman of Voice for Justice Joseph Jansen cited the government response to the killing of two Muslims in 2015 in retaliation of the Youhanabad church attacks. Police in this instance took direct action and arrested 200 Christians, eventually charging 47 members of the Christian community. A least 41 Christians spent five years in prison until they were finally acquitted, Jansen claimed, noting the government’s quick action in the matter.

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s information war against Baloch nationalists
Previous Story

DAILY BRIEF: Malala weighs in on Indian Hijab row, and Pakistani farmers announce protests

Next Story

Hope Probe marks first anniversary

Latest from -Top News

White House: Israel OKs Gaza Truce

Hamas said Thursday that its leadership had received a new Gaza ceasefire proposal from Witkoff through the mediators and was studying it…reports Asian Lite News The White House said that Israel has

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay

Iran pressed over 3 missing Indians

The embassy stated that it is maintaining close contact with the families and keeping them regularly updated about the steps being taken….reports Asian Lite News The Indian government has urged Iranian authorities

EU-UAE FTA talks amid US tariff pressure

Talks will also explore ways to boost trade in strategic sectors, such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials….reports Asian Lite News The European Union (EU) and the United Arab
Go toTop

Don't Miss

NRI philanthropist provides relief to Pakistan

Oberoi informed that Pakistan Punjab’s Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar had

‘Ghettoisation’: Pak’s Qureshi rakes up India’s hijab row

It is not the first time that Pakistan has sought