» 06/23/2008 09:14 PAKISTAN Peshawar: Christians released, Muslim still in Taleban hands by Qaiser Felix The group of 16 faithful was kidnapped yesterday during a prayer meeting held in the North-West Frontier Province. The militants are still holding the Muslim who rented the property to the Christians.
Peshawar (AsiaNews) – The 16 Christians kidnapped by Taleban militants during yesterday were released last night. They were taken during a prayer meeting held in the Banarasabad area of the North West Frontier province.Haji Siraj, the Muslim who rented the property to the group is still in the hands of the Islamic militants.
Shahbaz Bhatti, Catholic MP and president of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, tells AsiaNews: “There were about 50 Christians at the gathering.The Taleban attacked the group and attempted to take many hostages. In the end the other faithful succeeded in escaping before they were taken”.
On having learned of the kidnap Bhatti says, “We contacted the Pakistani premier, who took immediate steps. It’s a miracle that they were all released and are well. We will hold an enquiry and will punish those responsible. In any case, the hostages were not harmed: they were held together in a darkened room and then released”.
Deputy Khalil Tahir, of the Punjab Assembly and President of the Adal Trust (a foundation which offers legal aid to members of minorities facing unfair trial), says: “This incident has created a sense of in security which affects the entire nation. People no longer feel safe even in their own homes. We demand immediate intervention by the authorities”.
