Campaign urges Pakistani government to protect Christians

In the wake of church bomb attacks in Lahore, human rights campaign group Release International is calling on Pakistan to step up security for Christians to prevent mob violence. As provincial governments declare a day of mourning and protesters clash with police, Release urges Pakistan to urgently address the culture of intolerance that leads to church attacks. The campaign is urging Pakistan to step up security for its vulnerable Christian minority, amid concerns that Sunday's terror attacks against churches could lead to inter-communal violence.

Protesters have clashed with police today after suicide bombers struck at two churches in Lahore on Sunday, killing 15 and wounding 80. The death toll would have been far higher if security guards hadn't prevented the bombers from entering the churches where hundreds were attending Sunday services. The security guards were among the dead.

A splinter group of the Pakistan Taliban has claimed responsibility, warning they will attack again. One of Release's partners in Pakistan was injured in the bomb blast. Another has raised fears of communal violence that would play into the terrorists' hands. In the confusion following the attack, angry residents of Youhanabad reportedly killed two Muslims they suspected of aiding the terrorists.

Christian and Muslim leaders have been calling for calm, but there is concern now that the situation could escalate, and there could be reprisals against the beleaguered Christian community.

"We commend the Christian and Muslim leaders who are calling for peace," said Release International Chief Executive, Paul Robinson. "If mob violence breaks out in Pakistan, it will play directly into the hands of the extremists. Their aim is to create the division and chaos in which they can thrive. We have seen Islamist terrorists use the same tactic in Nigeria.' Christians have been demonstrating today and yesterday in cities across Pakistan for greater security. 'Their need is pressing and cannot be overstated," said Robinson.

"Where there is no rule of law and no protection against extremism, frightened people will do whatever they can to defend themselves and could take the law into their own hands. The Pakistan authorities must act immediately to step up security for their country's vulnerable Christian community," he said.

"There is a growing culture of intolerance in Pakistan which has led to these attacks. The authorities must redouble their efforts to change this hostile religious climate.' The Lahore church bombings are the latest in a string of extremist attacks against Christians in Pakistan. Minority Christians make up less than two per cent of the population, and are suffering discrimination and persecution.

"Christian communities have been attacked and Christians accused of blasphemy and burnt alive. Our partners report a marked increase in the gang-rape of Christian girls and the problem remains of their abduction, forced conversion and marriage. It all adds up to a climate of intolerance in which violent persecution thrives and which gives ground to extremists.

"Pakistan must wake up to the problem and safeguard its minorities. It must defend the rule of law and see that justice is done. And it must amend the rule of law to abolish the notorious blasphemy laws that are used as weapons against minorities and bolster this culture of intolerance and division.' Provincial governments have declared a day of mourning across the country following the church bomb attacks and Christian schools have closed. 'Please pray for those who have lost family and friends in these latest attacks."

"We will work with our partners in Pakistan to help care for the victims of persecution and support them as they work to bring peace and justice to that land."

Through its international network of missions Release International serves persecuted Christians in more than 30 countries around the world, by: supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.

For more information see: www.releaseinternational.org