04/30/2012, 00.00
PAKISTAN
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Lahore: Christians in shock over the murder of an activist and political leader

by Jibran Khan
Irshad Younas Chaudhry was shot dead on the evening of April 27. Sohtra Nadeem, son of a leader of the Sheikhpura Christian movement of APMA, presumed guilty. Motives remain unknown. Police investigation underway

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - The Pakistani Christian community is still in shock over the killing of Irshad Younas Chaudhry, activist and political leader, shot to death on the evening of 27 April (see photo). The next morning, investigators opened an investigation against Nadeem Sohtra, the alleged murderer, who tried to flee after the shooting. We currently do not have details yet on the motive that drove the man, the son of a Christian leader of the Punjab, to shoot, more items could emerge from interrogations in progress at this time.

Activists, Christian leaders and laymen, attended the funeral of Irshad Younas Chaudhry, a Christian politician originally from Youhanabad, in Lahore, Punjab. Would be to kill the young Sohtra Nadeem, son of Naseem Sohtra, coordinator of the Sheikhpura Christian movement All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), founded by the Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti assassinated by Islamic extremists March 2, 2011.

Initial information indicates that Nadeem met the victim at his home, and soon after, fired. The bullets hit Chaurhry in the chest. The police quickly intervened by arresting the alleged murderer, who tried to escape, the Christian politician died and the intervention of an ambulance in an attempt to reive the victim proved useless.


Humanitarian organizations Masihi Foundation and Life for All have strongly condemned the murder, pointing out that the victim was "a fearless, passionate politician and social activist," who several times in the past "raised his voice against injustice" . Speaking to AsiaNews Fr. John Maxwell, of the Archdiocese of Lahore, speaks of "huge loss for the community" because he was someone who cared, for "the future of young Christians and gave them several opportunities" in social life and workplace.

 

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