Four Christians were shot and wounded in a Christmas attack on the home of a pastor in Pakistan. The day after Pastor Shahzad Siddique tried to stop Muslims from harassing guests, more than a dozen gunmen opened fire on his home. Siddique is a Pentecostal preacher on the satellite television channel Praise TV. The attack occurred as dozens gathered at his home to celebrate the holiday.
The pastor told reporters “I had just returned home from my church and was resting when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire outside my house.” He immediately called the police and an assistant sub-inspector and another officer arrived within 25 minutes. While this was happening, more church members arrived to participate in the facilities.
“I was briefing the policemen about the firing incident when, all of a sudden, youths riding motorcycles came there and opened indiscriminate fire on us,” Siddique continued. “Unfortunately, three people — my uncle, driver, and a church member — sustained bullet injuries on the arm, stomach, and leg. We were able to catch one attacker while the others fled on foot, leaving behind five motorcycles.”
The pastor’s Uncle, Arif Masih, and driver, Adnan Pervaiz, are not in critical condition. However, the third Christian, Akash Patras, remained in serious condition with a wounded abdomen. Police have arrested 5 suspects and are conducting raids. The pastor explained at length how upset the incident had left him. “I believed that this country was safe for us, but now I’m forced to admit that it isn’t safe to be a Christian in Pakistan,” he said.
“I’ve always preached peace and tolerance, but this unprovoked attack has shown that extremist elements do not want a peaceful society,” he went on. A church member said the attack resulted from a minor altercation on Christmas Eve. He explained that Pastor Siddique was leading a rally comprising of church members, including young girls and women on Dec. 24, when a group of local Muslims riding a car started misbehaving with the participants.”
He went on to clarify, “Pastor Siddique and other elders confronted the Muslims and told them not to tease the congregants. This must have stoked anger in the Muslims and led them to plan the attack.” The assistant superintendent of the Police Defense Circle said the police were taking this very seriously. “We will ensure that all those involved in this incident will be arrested and punished,” she said.
She also confirmed the arrest of the five suspects. “We have also deployed police security in the area to protect the Christian residents.” Joseph Jansen, who spoke for the rights group Voice for Justice, characterized the shooting as deeply troubling and unacceptable.” He went on to say “This act of violence, driven by religious hatred, highlights a grave issue of intolerance and discrimination.”
He concluded by saying “The government of Pakistan must act decisively to hold accountable those inciting such hatred and attacking individuals and places of worship.” He added that “Inaction against perpetrators has allowed extremist forces to thrive unchecked, further exacerbating the threat to vulnerable communities. Pakistan’s failure to safeguard minority rights and prevent religious-based violence also undermines its international commitments.”