Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
Pakistan Detains Five Over Shooting Christians
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – At least five people were believed to be in Pakistani police custody Monday over the Christmas Day shooting of Christians in Pakistan.
The shootings outside a pastor’s home in the city of Lahore, which injured three Christians, happened just one day after a confrontation between Pastor Shahzad Siddique and a group of militant Muslim youth, Christians said.
“I had returned home from church on Christmas Day and was resting when gunmen opened fire on a gathering outside my house in Maryam Colony,” recalled the pastor in remarks obtained by Worthy News.
Witnesses said that though more than a dozen gunmen were involved in an initial attack, no one was wounded at that time.
“However, after police arrived at the scene 25 minutes later and began investigating the initial incident, several youths on motorcycles suddenly appeared and opened fire,” Christians said.
During the second attack, three people were injured – including Akash Patras, a believer who suffered a severe abdominal wound, confirmed Voice Of the Martyrs Canada (VOMC), an advocacy group supporting the Christians.
Although one suspect was caught immediately, the others fled on foot, leaving five abandoned motorcycles behind, according to Christians familiar with the situation.
SEVERAL ARRESTS
Since the shooting, at least four other perpetrators have been arrested, Christians confirmed.
While police officials continue their investigations, Worthy News learned that additional security measures have been deployed in the area.
Violence against Christians in mainly Muslim Pakistan, including that seen on December 25, is often instigated by “false accusations” of blasphemy against Islam, say human rights workers who add that anti-Christian violence has increased in recent years.
VOMC said it had urged its supporters to pray for injured Christians, including “Akash, who is recovering from a severe abdominal wound.”
Also, “prayerfully uphold Pakistan’s governing authorities as they work to bring about justice on behalf of this targeted group of believers.”
VOMC said it hopes that “Pastor Shahzad and the members of his church will be filled with courage, peace, and greater determination as they seek to serve God despite the opposition they encounter.”
Pakistan’s government has come under Western pressure to improve the plight of Christians and other minorities.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
European policymakers, church leaders and representatives of Syria’s Christian communities have urged the country’s transitional authorities to protect minority Christians amid concerns over the future of believers in the war-torn Middle East nation.
A reported Houthi attack has struck Saudi Arabia’s strategically vital East-West oil pipeline, the massive cross-country system designed to keep Saudi crude flowing even when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened or closed.
Spanish-Moroccan relations, already strained over migration, faced more pressure Friday after Spain’s lower house of parliament approved legislation that would grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis born when Madrid administered Western Sahara.
Russia launched fresh air attacks on Ukraine early Friday after NATO reportedly confronted Russian vessels trying to sabotage undersea cables, highlighting concerns that Moscow is attempting to extend the war by targeting Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, raising fears for global shipping as escalating Middle East tensions pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The United States and its allies are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the worst terror attacks on American soil, which had worldwide implications ranging from wars to increased surveillance.
Several impoverished Christians have died across Pakistan in recent days amid what advocates describe as a pattern of violence, discrimination and hardship potentially threatening the Christian community throughout the predominantly Muslim nation, Christian sources told Worthy News.
WHO WE ARE
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
CONTACT
- +1 908 280-4246
- Essex County, USA
- info@tnjrfm.com