Peaceful Easter

In an atmosphere where terror attacks are recurrent and norms of murders in the name of religious ideology have become common. It is not less than a blessing that our Christian community has celebrated Easter peacefully without any untoward incident. Traditional round of Easter mass and prayers offered in every church around the country. After the suicide bombings of two churches in Lahore a few weeks ago, riots started in Lahore that ended up in the sad lynchings of two innocent passersby. Security was beefed up in and around most of the churches in the country. This good work and sustained attempts at keeping our Christian community safe must continue. It is evident that elements involved in terrorist activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. Miscreants wanted to sabotage the peace of the country but they cannot succeed in their nefarious design if we remain united. It is a fact that our Christian community has rendered invaluable services to the motherland particularly in the social sector and we consider them as our honour and pride. Pakistanis of all ethnicities and religions were hurt and raised voices to condemn the attacks on Christians. Terrorist attacks have nothing to do with Islam or Pakistan. . Anti-state elements that want confrontation between different religions try to exploit such incidents to their advantage. Islam has provided protection to the lives and properties of non-Muslims living in a Muslim state, and we are bound to follow its commandments. Founder of Pakistan has given great importance for the protection of minorities in Pakistan. Pakistan belonged to all of us and it was the responsibility of Muslims to provide protection to non-Muslims living here. Muslims are also not safe in Pakistan, but this should not be used as a justification to tolerate attacks on non-Muslims. Easter has passed peacefully but our Christian brothers still need our support and protection.