President Zardari Condemns Burning Of Church In NW Pakistan

Islamabad, Sept 25, IRNA – President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned and deplored the attack and burning of a Church by a mob in North Western Pakistan, media reported on Monday. Reports said that President Zardari, in a message said that ransacking of public and private property particularly the places of worship of other religions was itself an un-Islamic and a highly condemnable act. Describing the torching of the church in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as unfortunate and reprehensible, the president said that it was contrary to the teachings of Islam which ordained respecting places of worship of all religions. He said that incidents like this portrayed Pakistan and Muslims negatively. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has also said that a committee headed by Inspector General of Police has been formed to probe the burning of the church. Malik also assured that security will be provided to all the churches in the country, urging the Christian community to remain patient. He said this time country is facing external and internal threats. He said the incidents of ransacking, firing and burning of government and private properties during protest demonstrations was against the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P)./end