Source: The News

The Pakistan Interfaith League (PIL) has expressed dissatisfaction over the announcement made by the Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for the reconstruction of the Sarhadi Lutheran Church in Mardan as well on the police investigation process to track down the culprits who incited people to set the church on fire.

“At a time when the religious hatred is on the rise, every effort is necessary to calm down the frayed emotions and take some concrete steps that should serve as a strong preventive against any such incidents anywhere in the country. The government has already set an example in the minor Rimsha Masih blasphemy case and similar effort on part of the government is required in this church burning case,” PIL Chairman Sajid Ishaq said.

He said that the government should take some serious steps for the safety and security of all its citizens in general and the minority communities in particular at this stage. At the same time a nationwide campaign to promote religious harmony and tolerance is the need of the hour.

“This has become increasingly important and urgent to launch a campaign engaging ulema and religious leaders from all religions and sects wherein they should sit together and thrash out this matter, making appropriate recommendations for making any amendments in the existing laws or bring in new legislation which should help promote religious harmony and promote peace, tolerance and coexistence in the country,” he said.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the process of damage evaluation of the burnt church. “Leaving aside the historic importance of the church building, which cannot be retrieved at any cost now, the amount evaluated by the KP government for compensating the damages and for the reconstruction of the buildings and infrastructure is far too little,” Sajid Ishaq said.

He said that the compensation and reconstruction amount of Rs30 million announced by the KP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti, is way below the actual losses suffered because of the burning of the church.

“According to our estimates the total damages caused and the money it is going to cost for the reconstruction of the church, the Pastor House, Bishop Office, School, Library, the religious books, furniture and its infrastructure comes close to Rs120 million according to safest estimates,” he said.

While expressing gratitude towards the KP government for their announcement of assistance towards reconstruction of the Church and its attached building, the PIL chairman also urged the federal government to contribute its share as well.

Read original