Attack on Christians: PPP MPA Pervaiz Rafiq resigns in protest

The Express Tribune

Pervaiz Rafiq, a minority MPA from Punjab, resigned from the provincial assembly in protest over the Joseph Colony attack, Express News reported on Sunday. On March 9, a huge mob attacked and set ablaze more than 150 houses of Christians living in the colony over alleged blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Sawan Masih, a 28-year-old Christian sanitation worker. While speaking to Express News, Rafiq accused the Punjab government of protecting extremists. He further said that the provincial government had failed as it could not prevent the incident from happening despite signs of a possible attack. Rafiq added that material help to those affected is of no good if the root cause is not addressed. Rafiq belongs to the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He had served as an MPA from 2002 to 2007 and came back to power in 2008 elections on seat reserved for minorities.