James Shera, former Lord Mayor of Rugby and leader of the Labour Group UK, has condemned the twin suicide attacks on two churches in Lahore’s Youhanabad Christian Colony and the subsequent lynching of two Muslim youths by a violent mob.
In a statement from London, Shera, a distinguished Pakistani decorated with Sitar-e-Pakistan for his outstanding services in the fields of politics, education, health and taxation in Pakistan and the UK, said that Christians across Pakistan and in other parts of the world strongly condemn the suicide attacks on churches and call upon the government to ensure security and protection to the minority community.
“But at the same time I want to tell my Muslim brothers that the entire Christian community stands with them in condemning the unfortunate murders of two Muslim youths. Such acts of violence cannot be condoned and I demand stern punishment for all those involved in the barbaric incident in accordance with the law,” he said, adding, “We are Pakistanis first and then Christians.”
Shera said that he was deeply concerned by reports of Christians of Youhanabad moving to safer places in wake of threats of revenge attacks. “I strongly urge the federal and provincial governments and the Pakistani military establishment to ensure protection to their Christian citizens. It would be appropriate that the government keeps paramilitary forces deployed in Youhanabad until normalcy returns to the colony,” he said.
Shera also called for acknowledgement of the valour and bravery shown by the church security volunteers who thwarted the terrorists’ attempts to enter the churches. “Let’s not forgot these heroes as they saved several hundred lives. It’s unfortunate that their sacrifices have been overshadowed by the discourse over the lynching incident. Also, let’s not forget the families who lost their loved ones in the terrorist attacks. Christians and Muslims have suffered alike due to terrorism and it’s time to stand united in the face of terror,” the statement concluded.
