ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Christians of the twin cities were joined by political workers, activists and students on Tuesday, as they protested the terrorist attacks on churches in Lahore and condemned the lynching of two men by a mob.

Two suicide bombers attacked the Sunday mass at churches in Lahore’s Youhanabad area on March 15, killing 17 and injuring over 70.

Following the attack, protesters became violent and lynched two people they considered suspects.

In Islamabad, a protest was organised by the Awami Workers Party (AWP) outside the press club. AWP Punjab President Aasim Sajjad Akhtar said since the Peshawar attack, sweeping powers were given to the military under the pretext of fighting terrorism but attacks continue unabated.

He said military courts were not a lasting solution to the problem and are part of the unending spiral of violence.

“Security and foreign policies crafted by the establishment, have led to violence, sectarianism and attacks on the weakest segments of society, such as the religious minorities,” he said.

National Students Foundation leader Alia Amirali said the current generation, born after 1977 is ‘Ziaul Haq’s generation’ and has been brought up with the idea that jihad is necessary for national security.

“Now this same generation is being told that jihadist groups are being wiped out to ensure national security,” she said.

Ms Amirali said terrorists were recruiting from among millions of young people in the country, who were deprived of education, health and employment because of the ruling elite’s policies.

In Rawalpindi, a walk was organised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Minority Wing in collaboration with local Christian organisations. Participants walked from St. Joseph Cathedral to Bata Chowk Lalkurti.

Over two dozen participants carried placards inscribed with slogans condemning terrorism against places of worship. At Bata Chowk, candles were lit along the walls of Presentation Convent School.

Speaking on the occasion, Noman Shaw Chauhan said the Yohannabad incident was a national tragedy. He said terrorists attack Christians and other minority group of Pakistan because they consider them soft targets.

Mr Chauhan said Christians were peaceful people and condemned the lynching of two innocent people by a mob.

Kamran Bhatti of PML-N Minority Wing said:” “Suspicious people should have been handed over to the police. People across the country have expressed solidarity with Christians and we hope terrorists would soon be rooted out.”

Mr Bhatti called for inter-faith harmony in the country and said people should be united against terrorists.

“Terrorists have no religion. All religions teach the lesson of love and peace and those who take the lives of innocent people cannot be Muslims,” he said.

Meanwhile, following the Yohannabad incident, the ruling party PML-N directed all local leaders to visit churches and the homes of Christians in their areas to express solidarity with them.

Former MNA Malik Shakil Awan told Dawn the party will stand by the Christian community, in this time of trouble.

“The party hopes Christian communities across Pakistan would remain peaceful,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2015

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