Christians remain steadfast amidst threats to convert to Islam
by Sheraz Khurram Khan
May 23, 2007
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Defying the threats the Islamic radicals hurled at them that they should either flee the town or face dire consequences, the Christians of Charsadda have responded to the ultimatum of conversion given by the Islamic extremists with a declaration that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for Jesus Christ but would not deny Him. This announcement was made in a press conference organized by All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) at Islamabad. The Christian Community leaders of Charsadda and Murdan, Pastors, Bishop Anthony Lobo, minority members of Assembly and Chairman, All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti addressed the conference, said APMA news release.
Christians in a Pakistani town of Charsadda in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, 35 Kilometers from Peshawar, the Provincial capital of North West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan, received threatening letter with an ultimatum of 10 days to convert to Islam or face dire consequences and bomb explosions. The deadline of the ultimatum expired on May 17, 2007, it said.
"We strongly condemn the threatening letter and ultimatum given to Christians of Charsadda. Christians of Pakistan can not be intimidated through coercive means; we can die but can not compromise on our faith. We are Patriotic citizens of Pakistan and can never bow down before Islamic militants and extremist forces," it quoted APMA Chief Shahbaz Bhatti as saying.
"Government of Pakistan is responsible for the protection and safety of its citizen. Therefore government must ensure the safety of Christians at Charsadda and take strong actions against those who are spreading violence, religious extremism, hate and terrorizing the minorities and women in Pakistan."
It quoted him as saying that the religious extremists and misguided zealots were attacking video, audio and barber shops. "They are terrorizing and harassing minorities and women. These pro Taliban extremists are committing violence in the name of religion to impose their own radical Islam and Talibanization by force, which is worrisome particularly when these extremists are taking law in to their own hands, blowing themselves as suicidal bombers and policing the society".
"Christians and other minorities of Pakistan are already facing institutionalized and constitutionalised discrimination; many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed and many become target due to the misuse of blasphemy law by the extremist elements. Attacks on Churches, Christian schools and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years and now the up rise of vigilante groups and the threats have further aggravated the situation. In these circumstances, the government is unable to control the violent activities of militant organizations in Pakistan or provide protection to its citizens", it quoted Bhatti as saying.
"Christians are migrating from their ancestral homes due to increased apprehension of bomb attacks by militants. It must be remembered that no religion can be propagated by the use of sword", the news release quoted Bishop of Rawalpindi/Islamabad Anthony Lobo as saying.
© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission.
