12/27/2012, 00.00
PAKISTAN
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Christmas lights overshadowed by terrorism

by J. Khan e S. Khokhar
A minister from the Awami National Party dies in a pre-Christmas attack. He was always on the forefront of the fight against religious extremism. Investigators are also trying to shed light on the execution-style death of a young Christian woman in Quetta. In other parts of the country, people from all confessions celebrate the 'Big Day' in peace.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Even though Christmas was largely celebrated in religious harmony in Pakistan's main cities, sectarian violence continues unabated. After a suicide bomber killed Bashir Ahmad Bilour, a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial minister from the Awami League who fought Islamic terrorism for his whole life, a young woman was killed execution-style in Quetta.

"The Catholic Church condemns this attack," said Mgr Anthony Rufin, bishop of Islamabad/Rawalpindi. "The war on terror is not the fight of a group or a party," the prelate told AsiaNews. "It is the nation's war against a way of thinking. We must unite against this violent mind-set that is trying to impose its ideology on the people through force and fear."

During the attack, which was carried out in Peshawar two days before Christmas, eight other people were killed. At least 18 people were wounded.

For the minister's brother, Bilour was a courageous man who always fought extremists. Targeted in the past, he never gave up and would never give up. His death weakens Pakistan's fight against terrorism.

In Quetta, a Christian woman was shot in the head, a local TV network reported. Her name and family have not been released, and no one has claimed responsibility for her execution-style killing. Nothing so far indicates that religious tensions are behind her death.

Despite these events, Christians in Faisalabad have welcomed the coming of the Saviour in great style. Streets have been decked out, including in Muslim areas, with lights and decorated trees.

Interfaith meetings have also been organised to explain the meaning of 'Bara Din' or big day as Christmas is known in Urdu and Punjabi.

Still, not everything went off without a hitch.  "It is pity that the Christians had to put with power shortages," said Aneel Edgar, a Christian in Warispura. For him, "this is a discriminatory policy by the government. During Muslim celebrations this never happens."

Likewise, "prices have gone up," said Munawar Sahotra. "The government should keep prices under control. It is not fair that the poor cannot enjoy the festivity."

 

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