PM condemns Christians’ kidnapping in Peshawar

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday condemned the kidnapping of 16 Christians in Peshawar last night and said the incident will be inquired and the culprits punished. Speaking in the National Assembly after the minority members raised the issue in the house, the prime minister said the interior ministry acted promptly and recovered all of them. “The Peoples Party has always strived for the rights of minorities,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that one Muslim, also kidnapped with the Christians, was still missing and efforts were underway for his recovery.
“Exemplary punishment will be given to those involved in this kidnapping,” he said.
Replying to another point of order, the Prime Minister said that the government will fulfill its commitment for minorities seats in the Senate which is part of the constitutional package.
Gilani said when the package is presented in the house, he will need the support of the members.
He said he will also direct the concerned authorities that minorities quota in the jobs should be strictly adhered to and there should be no violation of it by the concerned departments.
Akram Masih Gill on a point of order said that around 25 persons of Christian community were kidnapped from Peshawar when they were celebrating birthday of a child.
He expressed thanks to the government for timely action and the subsequent recovery of 16 persons but urged the government to make sure the rights of minorities in the country were protected.
Speaking on the occasion Shahbaz Bhatti said that he brought the incident into the notice of Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior A. Rehman Malik who immediately talked to Political Agent for safe recovery of the kidnapped.
On the intervention of the Federal and Provincial governments the kidnapped persons were recovered and safely returned to homes.
He said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari also took the notice of the incident and directed Interior Advisor to resolve the issue.
He said PPP has always talked about the rights of minorities.
Munawer Lal said that minorities are over two percent of the total population of Pakistan and the government needs to ensure the protection of their rights.
He said earlier some members of Hindu community were kidnapped from Karachi, the government should investigate that whether it was conspiracy to malign the image of the country.
Marvi Memon said the house should pass a resolution condemning victimisation of minorities.