The BPCA Chairman met with the Pakistan High Commissioner for Pakistan in the UK, Syed Ibne Abbas, to discuss the Lahore twin church Bomb attack and the ongoing tensions between Christians and Muslims since the incident.
Wilson expressed his sorrow at the murder of two Muslims which he explained was contrary to their usual reaction. He asked that their crime be deemed as murder and not terrorism, describing the hurt and panic that caused their momentary loss of control as a mitigating factor. He explained that the BPCA supports their arrest, and the arrest of any protesters that caused damage to public and private property, as the rule of law is paramount to order and control. However, he asked that the safety of these culprits who have led peaceful lives prior to this bomb attack, be monitored.
Pakistan ratified the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 3rd June 2010. New legislation is currently being reviewed by Parliament that will tighten existing measures.
The invited visitors were from a range of London based Pakistani Christians including, Reverend Noble Samuel, Reverend Shabaz Javed, Dr. Noshaba Khiljee, Mr. Saeed Din and Mr Aqeel Sharif.
Pastor Noble Samuel described his sorrow at the reaction of the Christians in killing the believed cohorts of the suicide bombers. He said:
“Lawbreakers should be brought to justice and the Christian community has given up the names of 47 youths who were involved in this incident and some mob destruction of property.”
He also explained that the unity of Pakistan was as important to Christians as it was to Muslims.
His Excellency Syed Ibne Abbas declared his sorrow at the loss of innocent lives to the two suicide bombers in Lahore. While expressing his deep shock at the attacks, and ensuing violence, the High Commissioner assured the delegation that their concerns and suggestions would be communicated to the Federal and Provincial Governments. He said:
“Strict action against the perpetrators of the violence will be taken.”
He also assured the invited guests that the government would provide security and protection to the life and property of all its citizens without any discrimination.
The High Commissioner commended the gesture of solidarity expressed by the delegation and hoped that as a result of the National Action Plan (NAP) the country would soon get rid of the menace of terrorism. He also acknowledged the positive role of the Christian community of Pakistan in the development of the country.
Wilson Chowdhry described the great fear in the Christian Community of an attack on either Friday, when there was a potential for mosques to preach hatred during Jummah prayer, and also during their own Sunday services as threats had been received by local churches.
The High Commissioner reassured all delegates that churches and the Christian community would be protected, and that swift action would be taken on any incitement to hatred. He said:
“We have men on the ground and intelligence is being gathered through many means. We will maintain a security presence in the area and will do our best to prevent any escalation of violence.”
BPCA will continue to monitor the situation in Lahore.