Pakistan Detains Five Over Shooting Christians
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – At least five people were believed to be in Pakistani police custody Monday over the Christmas Day shooting of Christians in Pakistan.
The shootings outside a pastor’s home in the city of Lahore, which injured three Christians, happened just one day after a confrontation between Pastor Shahzad Siddique and a group of militant Muslim youth, Christians said.
“I had returned home from church on Christmas Day and was resting when gunmen opened fire on a gathering outside my house in Maryam Colony,” recalled the pastor in remarks obtained by Worthy News.
Witnesses said that though more than a dozen gunmen were involved in an initial attack, no one was wounded at that time.
“However, after police arrived at the scene 25 minutes later and began investigating the initial incident, several youths on motorcycles suddenly appeared and opened fire,” Christians said.
During the second attack, three people were injured – including Akash Patras, a believer who suffered a severe abdominal wound, confirmed Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), an advocacy group supporting the Christians.
Although one suspect was caught immediately, the others fled on foot, leaving five abandoned motorcycles behind, according to Christians familiar with the situation.
SEVERAL ARRESTS
Since the shooting, at least four other perpetrators have been arrested, Christians confirmed.
While police officials continue their investigations, Worthy News learned that additional security measures have been deployed in the area.
Violence against Christians in mainly Muslim Pakistan, including that seen on December 25, is often instigated by “false accusations” of blasphemy against Islam, say human rights workers who add that anti-Christian violence has increased in recent years.
VOMC said it had urged its supporters to pray for injured Christians, including “Akash, who is recovering from a severe abdominal wound.”
Also, “prayerfully uphold Pakistan’s governing authorities as they work to bring about justice on behalf of this targeted group of believers.”
VOMC said it hopes that “Pastor Shahzad and the members of his church will be filled with courage, peace, and greater determination as they seek to serve God despite the opposition they encounter.”
Pakistan’s government has come under Western pressure to improve the plight of Christians and other minorities.
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