Church points out government’s lethargic attitude towards Taliban’s elimination of religious minorities
ICC Note
Pakistani church leader asks government to protect Christians and other religious minorities from imposition of Jazia tax (protection tax) by Islamic militant organizations.
02/26/2010 Pakistan (Agenzia Fides)-Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha, President of the Bishops’ Conference has signed and sent to Fides a press release from the “Justice and Peace Commission” condemning “lethargic attitude on part of the government” which gives free reign to the Taliban and thereby encourages the “imposition of Jazia (a tax for being Non-Muslim) by militant organizations,” as well as “kidnapping for ransom, target killing and internal displacement in frequency in Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Baluchistan.”
The statement says that “the Government should protect the religious minorities on priority as they happen to be one of the most vulnerable groups to social and organized crimes.” The Commission also “recommended the repeal of all discriminatory laws to promote tolerance and social harmony.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/2/2010)
