Pakistan: Lahore protest and statement in response to attack on the Churches in Youhanabad

Press Release (photos attached)

Long Live Pakistan - Down with Talibanization

Effective and Immediate Implementation of “National Action Plan†should be ensured to stop religious extremism and terrorism in the name of religion and sect. Samson Salamat, Director Centre for Human Rights Education- Pakistan

People of different faiths and religions protested in front of Lahore Press Club today (15 March) against the suicide attacks on two Churches at Youhanabad, the largest Christian settlement of the country in which reportedly 15 persons got killed while approximately 100 are injured.

On the call of Centre for Human Rights Education- Pakistan and other civil society organizations hundreds of men and women got together in front of Lahore’s Press Club. The protestors who were carrying [placards] and banners against the Youhanabad incident chanted slogans against the attack on Christian Community and other incidents of terrorism in the name of religion and sect.

Prominent Human Rights Defenders including Mr. Irfan Mufti, Ms. Shazia Shaheen, Saeeda Diep and Mr. Samson Salamat led this protest and addressed the protestors.

Director Centre for Human Rights Education - Pakistan Mr. Samson Salamat while addressing the protest said that “attack on the Churches in Youhanabad is actually attack on Pakistan, however we are here to give a strong message to the terrorists groups that we stand united against terrorism.

Mr. Samson Salamat demanded that “Effective and Immediate Implementation of “National Action Plan†should be ensured to stop religious extremism and terrorism in the name of religion and sect which had paralyzed the lives of the citizens†.

Mr. Samson Salamat appealed to the protestors to adopt peaceful means and ways to record their protest and observe peace.

Mr. Irfan Mufti said that Pakistan and terrorism cannot go together and we as a nation need to stand united against the Taliban and other militant outfits.
Mr. Irfan Mufti strongly condemned the Youhanabad attack and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.

The peaceful protestors at the end pledged to stand united and continue their struggle to make Pakistan a better place for every citizen including the religious minorities of the country. Naveed Rapahel Press Information Secretary