ISLAMABAD: A member of the Christian community has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking Rangers’ protection for more than 20 churches in Islamabad.

The petitioner Yousaf Khan Paul, through his counsel Yasir Mehmood Chaudhry advocate, prayed to the court to direct the federal government to deploy Rangers for security of the churches, provide walkthrough gates, scanners and install CCTV cameras at the churches.

The petitioner cited secretary interior, chief commissioner Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Inspector General Islamabad police as respondents.

The petitioner said the Christians were patriotic, peace loving people and playing a key role in the development of the country.

Unfortunately this community has suffered many attacks on its worship places that resulted in huge loss of precious lives. The community needs protection at its worship places to avoid such incidents, the petitioner said.

The Christians being a minority could subscribe to all rights ensured to them under article 36 of the Constitution.

The petitioner has contended that there were more than 20 churches in Islamabad but the security had been provided to only at two to three. The Christian community regularly visits their churches to fulfill their religious duties.

The petitioner told the court that on August 6, 2015 he filed an application with the interior ministry in his regard but to no avail. Petitioner has requested the IHC to issue directions to the respondents to provide foolproof security to all the churches in Islamabad.

IHC single bench would take up the petition this week.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2015

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