Shahbaz Bhatti's murder met by unanimous condemnation from church leaders

The Vatican and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have condemned the murder of Pakistan's Minorities Minister.

Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated today by gunmen in the capital Islamabad moments after leaving his home to attend a cabinet meeting. He was shot several times and rushed to Shifa Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

He was targeted because of his commitment to reforming the blasphemy laws, which impose the death sentence on insulting Islam.

Dr Rowan Williams and Dr John Sentamu said it was with the "greatest shock and sorrow" that they had received news of Mr Bhatti's assassination.

"This further instance of sectarian bigotry and violence will increase anxiety worldwide about the security of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan, and we urge that the Government of Pakistan will do all in its power to bring to justice those guilty of such crimes and to give adequate protection to minorities," they said.

"Meanwhile, we assure Mr Bhatti's family of our prayers and deep sympathy, and promise our continuing support for all those of whatever faiths who are working for justice and stability in Pakistan."

In a statement, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Bhatti's murder was a "terribly grave new act of violence" which "demonstrates that the Pope's insistent addresses regarding violence against Christians and religious freedom have been justified".

The Evangelical Alliance also expressed its shock over the death of Bhatti, the only Christian member of the Pakistani cabinet.

Steve Clifford, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, said: "It is outrageous that the Pakistan Government seems unable to protect its minorities, and in particular Christians."

Dr Don Horrocks, the Evangelical Alliance's Head of Public Affairs, urged the Pakistan Government to take "strong action" against Bhatti's killers.

He said: "The Pakistan government appears to be turning their backs on the problem. They repeatedly make concessions to those who would intimidate minorities, seeming at best passive, and at worst complicity, in the face of persecution of Christians and others.

"The Pakistan government must follow their condemnation of the cold-blooded murder of Shahbaz Bhatti with strong action to convict those responsible and to protect Christians from continued violence."