Special Correspondent for ASSIST News Service in Pakistan - 2007-05-18 via CWNews.com
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Defying the threats the Islamic radicals hurled at them that they should either flee the town or face dire consequences, the Christians of Charsadda have responded to the ultimatum of conversion given by the Islamic extremists with a declaration that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for Jesus Christ but would not deny Him.
This announcement was made in a press conference organized by All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) at Islamabad. The Christian Community leaders of Charsadda and Murdan, Pastors, Bishop Anthony Lobo, minority members of Assembly and Chairman, All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti addressed the conference, said APMA news release.
Christians in a Pakistani town of Charsadda in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, 35 Kilometers from Peshawar, the Provincial capital of North West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan, received threatening letter with an ultimatum of 10 days to convert to Islam or face dire consequences and bomb explosions. The deadline of the ultimatum expired on May 17, 2007, it said.
"We strongly condemn the threatening letter and ultimatum given to Christians of Charsadda. Christians of Pakistan can not be intimidated through coercive means; we can die but can not compromise on our faith. We are Patriotic citizens of Pakistan and can never bow down before Islamic militants and extremist forces," it quoted APMA Chief Shahbaz Bhatti as saying.
"Government of Pakistan is responsible for the protection and safety of its citizen. Therefore government must ensure the safety of Christians at Charsadda and take strong actions against those who are spreading violence, religious extremism, hate and terrorizing the minorities and women in Pakistan."