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18th March 2002
MCB Condemns Attack on Church in Pakistan
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) absolutely deplores the grenade attack on the Protestant International Church in Islamabad, in which five persons were killed and dozens more injured. No effort should be spared, by the Pakistani authorities, to bring to justice the perpetrators of such vile and wicked actions of attacking worshippers.
The MCB Secretary General, Yousuf Bhailok, said "We are deeply saddened at this horrible act of murder and violence which should not be tolerated in a civilised society. There is no possible justification whatsoever for such attacks. No political or religious cause could justify such horrifying violence and assault on the sanctity of a place of worship. It is impossible to understand what type of hate it is that drives people to commit such acts. I am sure that the overwhelming vast majority of Muslims in Pakistan, a country which I often visit, are full of sadness and indeed shame that this type of act can happen in their country."
Protecting the life and rights of its minorities is an Islamic obligation of any Muslim government. Fullest protection should be given to Christian and other minority places of worship.
Also, violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims should also not be tolerated and the MCB welcomes the stringent precautionary measures imposed during this month of Muharram to counteract such inter communal hate.
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 52
Wembley
HA9 0XW
Tel: 020 8903 9650
Fax: 020 8903 9026
admin@mcb.org.uk
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