LONDON, Nov 11: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, has appreciated Pakistan government’s solidarity with the Christian community there and urged Christians and Muslims to live peacefully.

He made these remarks at a memorial service organized by James Shera, former Mayor of Rugby and chairman of Pakistan Christian Alliance UK-Europe here at the Southic Cathedral to pray for the victims of Bahawalpur tragedy where 16 Christians were killed by terrorists.

“The presence of Pakistan’s High Commissioner here is sign of solidarity of Pakistan government with us today,” the Archbishop of Canterbury told a packed hall here on Saturday.

The archbishop said he had visited Pakistan and described it as a great country. Referring to his recent visit to Bahrain and Qatar, he appreciated the treatment being accorded to the Christians there too.

He said there “is a clear determination in Muslims and Christians to live together.” The Muslims and Christians are not at war with each other, said the archbishop. However he said that the West need to understand that the life of British Muslim community was also facing a considerable anxiety. He called upon the government to ensure their protection and promote understanding between the two communities.

“We must build bridges and not hatred,” said the archbishop. He said there was a great deal of goodwill for Muslims in the hearts of the Christians. This spirit needs to be further promoted for a better understanding between the two communities, he said.

The Pakistan High Commissioner, Abdul Kader Jaffer, paid homage to the victims of Bahawalpur. “The government was committed to ensuring protection of Christians in Pakistan,” he said. He revealed that the culprits had been arrested and would be handed down deterrent punishment under the law.—APP