Pakistan’s Christian leaders meet prime minister over violence against Christians

(Feb. 25, 2006) - Christian leaders of Pakistan have met prime minister Shaukat Aziz and urged him to take measures not to make them scapegoats for Western mistakes. Two Catholic bishops and seven Protestant religious leaders met Aziz on Wednesday and also asked him “for greater justice and less discrimination in society”.
Demonstrations against the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, considered by an overwhelming majority of Muslims as blasphemous, have rocked Pakistan and local Christians and their property have had to bear the brunt of them. Catholic Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore said the meeting was cordial and they “expressed their apologies and regrets for the attacks and destruction of Christian Churches and buildings.” Catholics and Protestants again firmly “condemned the offensive cartoons but also called for an end to irresponsible mob violence” that followed. In a joint letter issued on Feb. 24, Christian leaders “assured the faithful that they are close to all Christians in the present tense and difficult situation in country.” This has caused widespread fear and insecurity among them. They said the violent attacks and desecration of churches in Sangla Hill” last October, the burning of two churches in Sukkur on Feb. 19 and other incidents have greatly shocked the faithful and made them feel insecure and fearful. The Christian leaders said prime minister Shaukat Aziz agreed to check every incitement of hatred and violence against non-Muslims. Violence against Pakistan’s minority Christian community has brought Catholics and Protestants closer together in genuine fellowship and ecumenical solidarity.