Pakistani Christians form group to protect churches from terror attacks

Islamabad: A group of young Christians in Pakistan have come together to protect their churches after a recent increase in terror attacks on Christian gatherings.

The group started by protecting the Shalom Presbyterian Church in Bahar Colony, Lahore. The church is one of the most densely populated cities of the country and has expanded since then to provide security to six more churches in their area.

Terrorist attacks in Pakistan on the minority communities have risen and the recent attacks on Christian congregations in March have put the community in fear.

In light of the security situation in the country the group, which began as sixteen young Pakistani Christians from all walks of life, decided to become the protectors of their churches.

While the government has pledged more safety for minority communities and provided security to various churches in major cities but recent incidents prove that further effort is required.

Spokesperson for the group, Waqar Peter Gill, said that they want to protect more churches in the future.

“We are more blessed and strengthened in God day by day and we are looking forward to reach more and more churches in Lahore and other parts of the country irrespective of the denomination”, Gill said, while encouraging Pakistani Christians to join in the effort.

“To the youth I want to say that you are the backbone of the church and society. Without you and your support we can’t move on and pass the torch of salvation, love, peace and happiness to future generations”, he added.

Christians make up around two per cent of Pakistan’s mainly Muslim population of 180 million.