Pakistani Christians have expressed real fears that the the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of American soldiers could result in revenge attacks by Muslim extremists.
Dr Nazir Bhatti, the President of the Pakistan Christian Congress, urged the Pakistani government to ensure Christians are properly protected in the aftermath of the al-Qaeda leader’s death, according to the Pakistan Christian Post.
“The Pakistan administration must beef up security of churches, Christian institutions, Christian colonies and life of common Christian after death of Osama bin Laden.”
Christians only make up around 3% of Pakistan’s total population, and have often been targeted by extremists in the past. In March of this year, the only Christian government minister in Pakistan, Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated for his outspoken views on the controversial ‘Blasphemy’ law.
Christians were also targeted for reprisals after an American pastor infamously burned a Koran as part of a staged ‘trial’ at his church. A Gujranwala church and missionary school were attacked last week in revenge resulting in hundreds of Christians fleeing from the area in fear for their lives.
Police have advised local churches to install security cameras and hire only security personnel who are Christian.