Target Killing, Slain for Christ – Pastor William Siraj

Nadeem Bhatti also had a meeting with Dr. Mohammad Shoaib Suddle, who leads the One-Man Commission on Minority Rights. Dr. Shoaib Suddle Commission was constituted by the Supreme Court in 2019 to oversee implementation of its judgement on protecting minority rights. Nadeem discussed with Dr. Shoaib Suddle the issues facing Christians in Pakistan. Nadeem also discussed the federal government grant which has was not delivered to All Saint Church blast victims. Dr. Shoaib Suddle promised to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
It has been over seven and a half years since the Pakistan’s Supreme Court issued a landmark judgement instructing the government to protect minorities. However, attacks have not been met with sufficient government action or condemnation from senior public figures in Pakistan, including Prime Minister Imran Khan. Left is Shamim Akhtar a widower speaking to Nadeem Bhatti The attack on Pastor Siraj also drew condemnation from human rights activists, civil society, religious and political leaders, including Minorities Alliance Pakistan (MAP). MAP who not only condemned the attack, but demanded that the Prime Minister of Pakistan and interior Minister to immediately investigate the incident and arrest the culprits as soon as possible. MAP organized a peaceful protest in Islamabad on February 6, 2022 to condemn target killings and terrorism. They also demanded that adequate financial assistance be provided to the families of the martyred and injured pastors. MAP also called on the federal and provincial governments to ensure the safety of Christian institutions and leaders in view of the “rising tide of terrorism” and reiterated the need for unity and strict action against those who are behind this brutal attack.

Left is Shamim Akhtar a widower speaking to Nadeem Bhatti

Christian leaders condemned the attack and demand justice and protection of Christians. Christians in Pakistan call on the Government of Pakistan to ensure that this attack is thoroughly investigated, the perpetrators prosecuted, and efforts to protect minority communities across the country are significantly increased. Pakistani Christians, who live peacefully in Pakistan, believe that hate, prejudice, discrimination, and segregation should be made a punishable offense. Severe punishments should be meted out on faith-based discrimination.