Pope urges Pakistanis to renounce violence and affirm peace

The anti-Christian riots in Pakistan was strongly criticised by Pope Benedict XVI who expressed "deep sorrow" over the deaths of eight people, including three women and a child.

In a telegram on Monday the pope condemned the "senseless attack" on the Christian community in Pakistan and urged Christians to remain calm and continue its efforts in building a community of "peace" and "mutual respect".

"In the name of God he appeals to everyone to renounce the way of violence, which causes so much suffering, and to embrace the way of peace," the telegram signed by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said.

The message was sent to the Bishop of Faisalabad, Joseph Coutts. It called on the bishop to "encourage the whole diocesan community, and all Christians in Pakistan, not to be deterred in their efforts to help build a society which, with a profound sense of trust in religious and human values, is marked by mutual respect among all its members."

According to sources, at least 50 Christian houses were burned and dozens were injured during the violence on August 1 in the eastern Pakistani town of Gojra. The violence was sparked by rumors of the desecration of a Quran.

Pakistani government has blamed a Sunni militant group linked to al-Qaida for the Saturday attack. Police have so far arrested about 200 people in connection with the riots.

Kamran Michael, Punjab provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs, said the Christian community in Pakistan agreed to observe three days of mourning, from Monday to Wednesday.

All church-run schools and colleges also have been closed for three days to mourn the deaths of innocent people.

The violence has triggered a series of protests from church and human rights organisations. The Human Rights Society of Pakistan (HRSP) blamed alleged blasphemy of the Quran to have sparked such incidents against minorities.

The National Council of Churches in Pakistan also concurs that blasphemy laws have been misused to attack Christians.

Its general secretary Victor Azariah told Christian Today that it would demand the government to "reconsider the blasphemy law which illegally subjugates Christians and also fosters injustice and violence."

The council also said it would demand the release of Christians who have been arrested in the past under such laws. "Many have been harassed, threatened and arrested on such charges which on most cases is spurious," it said.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced a compensation of Rs.5,00,000 for the families of the each of those killed in the violence.