Muslim threats in Pakistan against Christians during Holy Week

(April 04, 2012) In Pakistan, Islamic fanaticism is casting a dark shadow over Easter celebrations this year. The country's minority Christian community has already received threats and warnings against celebrating the feast. Sources in Sarghoda District in Punjab told AsiaNews that someone tore down Easter signs and decorations at the Eidgah Christian colony. The unknown attackers also threw black paint on the community's sacred images and made threats against those present, warning them not to continue in their preparations. When residents turned to the local police to file a report, no one at the station would do it. Instead, they told them to leave. With courage and determination, some of the faithful put back the signs and images. However, once again on Palm Sunday evening, fanatics came back for another raid. This time, they threw away the images and threatened punitive reprisals against the Christian colony. The Masihi Foundation, a humanitarian organisation, condemned the threats and filed a writ on Tuesday with the Lahore High Court, demanding protection for the Eidgah Christian Colony, and for Christians in Punjab. It also called on the authorities to enforce the residents' right to freedom of religion.