“Convert or die”. Masih Gill, a Christian from the city of Mardan, in the province of “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” (Northern Pakistan), was threatened with these words by a group of Muslims with whom he had been speaking.
This event caused violent reactions in Pakistan (three churches attacked in a week) by Muslim extremists. Nearly one dozen UN guards were killed on April 1, while two were beheaded. Local sources say that Masih Gill simply defended his faith, saying that Christians respect all religions and do not nurture hostility towards anyone. The Muslims then threatened Gill. They also said that they would charge him before Pakistani authorities with blasphemy.
Masih Gill, who is married and has children, is now in hiding while his family is now being harbored at a safe location, thanks to the Masihi Foundation. The foundation is also defending Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who is awaiting the execution of a death sentence following her conviction on charges of blasphemy, according to Muslim law.
“It's a difficult time for the Christian community,” remarks Peter Jacob, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Justice and Peace for the Bishops of Pakistan. “We are always working to denounce and combat social discrimination against religious minorities. But now there is also a campaign of anti-Christian hatred and intolerance promoted by Islamic extremist groups. Christians are suffering and live in fear.
Earlier: napaki.tumblr.com
Twitter handle: @napaki
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