On behalf of PM Imran Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi has condemned the attack on two priests in Peshawar, visiting the city’s Saint John’s Church to offer namaz inside the church in solidarity with the Christian community.
“We and the Christian community are united. We want to give this message from the church that we are united,” Ashrafi said, adding that the prime minister was monitoring the incident from Islamabad.
Pastor William Siraj was shot dead while driving home from mass along Peshawar’s Ring Road by two unidentified assassins. Another priest travelling with him, Naeem Patrick, was shot in the hand but survived the attack.
The Pastor’s last rites were delivered on Monday at Peshawar’s All Saints’ Church. His memorial service was attended by more than 3,000 people, as police provided additional security.
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also called for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
“Strongly condemn target killing of Christian faith leader William Siraj in Peshawar. There is absolutely no place for such horrific acts in Quaid’s Pakistan,” Sharif said in a Twitter post.
Strongly condemn target killing of Christian faith leader William Siraj in Peshawar.There is absolutely no place for such horrific acts in Quaid's Pakistan.The killer must immediately be arrested & meted out punishment. My sympathies are with bereaved family & Christian community
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) January 31, 2022
Echoing the sentiments, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz remarked, “Pakistan was created with the promise of equal rights for all citizens, especially minorities. Where are those rights? Is there anything that’s functioning correctly under this regime?”
Broad day light killing of Christian pastor in KPK is extremely painful & alarming. Pakistan 🇵🇰 was created with the promise of equal rights for all citizens especially minorities. Where are those rights? Is there anything that's functioning correctly under this regime? Shame.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 31, 2022
