25 Christians abducted by Islamic militants in Pakistan

In spite of Pakistan Government's tall claims of enhanced protection to the minorities, a group of over 20 Christians were kidnapped and savagely beaten up by armed Islamic militants on Saturday, June 23.

The Christians who were congregating for a religious prayer in Banarasabad, Peshawar, were held at gunpoint by the militants, who drove in over six vehicles, taking them to an undisclosed location.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on Sunday said the government had secured the release of 16 members of the minority Christian community abducted by militants in the restive North–West Frontier Province (NWFP).

"We condemn this act and, despite the recovery of the abductees, an enquiry will be held to uncover the faces behind the incident," state–run Pakistan Television news channel quoted Gilani as saying

According to the news channel, a “religious organization” operating in Bara area of Khyber district handed over the hostages after government representatives held serious negotiations with the abductors.

Zulfiqar Masehi, Hameed Mashi, Shehzad Noor Mashi, Victor Jan Mashi, Gulzaar Mashi, Khalid Mashi, Shahbaz Mashi, Tariq Mashi, Yousaf Mashi, Salim Mashi, Khalid, Salim Akhar were among the kidnapped Christians released by the efforts of political administration.

While the police has registered a case and is investigating on the abduction, the NWFP government suspended SSP (Operations) Peshawar, SP Cantontment, ASP Hayatabad, SHO Hayatabad and other staff after the incident.

The Evangelical Fellowship of India expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the people and the authorities in Pakistan to take appropriate measures to create a safe and secure atmosphere for the Christian community in the country.

EFI General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, requested prayers for the release of the remaining hostages and that the crisis would be resolved peacefully.

With the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Pakistan, nearby Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir, the plights of Christians have only increased and the freedom of religious minorities has steadily been attacked.

Last year, on September 2007, Christian Today reported of a group of Islamic militants in North West Frontier and Punjab provinces threatening Christians "to either convert to Islam, leave the country or face death."

Following the threats, more than hundreds of Christian families fled the villages, while several Churches were reportedly burnt.

The voices of Christians in the country fall on deaf ears, even as the governing authorities fail to curb the issue and bind the religious fundamentalists behind the atrocities against Christians.

The country comprises of Muslims 97.6%, Christians 1.7% and Hindus 1.5%. 70% of the microscopic Christian population is the poorest segment of the society.