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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Persecution Watch: Pakistan

By Charisma News Service

CBN.com -- A Christian leader says believers fear a slaughter may begin today, according to Christian Aid Mission (CAM). He said mosques were filled with anti-Christian rhetoric last Friday, with sermons titled "War Against Islam" and "War Between Truth and Evil."

Muslim extremists reportedly have scheduled a demonstration today, when clerics are expected to rail against President Bush and Christianity, identifying Christians with Americans. Pakistani believers fear the rhetoric may spark an attack on Christians. "Tension and fear are increasing day by day," a source told CAM. "Please pray that our Heavenly Father will give us wisdom and courage to face this situation."

Meanwhile, Christians are concerned that persecution will formally be legitimized in the country's northern region. If enacted by the Provincial Assembly, the Islamic Shariah Act will allow the Quran and Sunnah -- the examples and sayings of the prophet Mohammed -- to dictate all future legislation and legal reforms, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said.

The new legislation, which is expected to be implemented with minimal opposition, will require strict adherence to Muslim practices and will discriminate against the political, civil, cultural, economic and social rights of all non-Muslim citizens in the North West Frontier Province.

"Pakistan's Christians...are already in enough danger from extremists, but this legislation, if implemented, will further jeopardize their already difficult and often dangerous position," CSW chief executive said Mervyn Thomas.


Copyright (c) 2003 Charisma News Service. Used by permission. For news, features, and inspirational stories from a Christian perspecitve, log on to Charisma & Christian Life.



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