Bilawal Bhutto expresses deep grief & shock over the killing of Christian couple

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Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed deep grief and shock over the killing of a Christian couple and their unborn child by an enraged mob in what is the latest incident of victimization of minorities and mob violence in the name of religion.

Shehzad and Salma, worked at the brick kiln in Kot Radha Kishan some 60 km from Lahore and were first brutally beaten and then thrown into the brick kiln. Reports suggest that the dispute occurred with the owner of the kiln over wages or recovery of loan. However, the imam of the local mosque incited the attack when announcements were made through the mosque loudspeaker alleging desecration of the Holy Quran.

Criticising the Punjab government and judiciary for their utter and complete failure to provide protection to minorities against persecution in the name of religion, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said “this is not the first incident of this nature where blasphemy has been used as a ploy to justify attacking, lynching and killing of members of minority communities in Pakistan, yet the Punjab government and judiciary remain aloof. If lessons had been learnt from such previous incidents, and adequate action had been taken against the attackers, Shehzad and Salma would have been alive today.”

He further said, “I urge the Punjab government to take the strictest possible legal action not only against the murderers but also the imam of the mosque for inciting hatred and violence. An example should be made of the perpetrators and those who aided and abetted them to send out a strong message to all those who exploit religion to mask their heinous crimes.”

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto reiterated his unflinching support for the rights and protection of the minority communities of Pakistan and said “the Hindus of Sindh, the Christians of Punjab, the Hazaras of Balochistan and the Sikhs of KPK are all my brothers and sisters and are as much a Pakistani as any one of us. I will always raise my voice for their rights and will not rest till they are treated with equality and justice.”