11-yr-old boy killed in Taliban attack against Christians - Update

Release International can confirm the death of an 11-year-old boy in the Taliban attack against Christians in Karachi last week. Irfan Masih was shot during an attack by Taliban militia against the minority Christian community in Taiser Town, Karachi. He died later in hospital. A picture of Irfan is available by return email.

Earlier press reports said the Taliban had executed two Christians during the raid, after scrawling death threats on houses and churches.

Two other Christians were injured and are said to be fighting for their lives. The Pakistan Christian Post has named them as Imran Masih and Qadoos Masih. Others were also wounded as the Taliban burnt houses, shops and churches in a bid to drive Christians out of the mainly Muslim area.

According to earlier press reports two Christians were murdered in execution-style killings. The Pakistan press is now reporting only one death, that of 11-year-old Irfan Masih. This is confirmed by Release partners in Karachi who are attending his funeral, which takes place tomorrow [Tuesday].

Feelings in the community are said to be running high, and according to press reports, the authorities have banned public gatherings and processions.

Release International serves the persecuted church worldwide. CEO Andy Dipper says: ‘Our hearts go out to the family of the murdered child. And our prayers are that the authorities will act quickly to catch the killers and to protect the minority Christian community from further attacks. Please also pray that Christians will be calm and show the love of Christ to those who wish them harm.’

Through its international network of missions Release supports Christians imprisoned for their faith and their families in 30 nations. It supports church workers, pastors and their families, and provides training, Bibles, Christian literature and broadcasts. Release is a member of the UK organisations Global Connections, the Evangelical Alliance and the Micah Network.

ENDS

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Pictures
A high resolution picture of Irfan Masih in hospital is available by return email. Other pictures are also available.

For the latest story in the Pakistan Post, please go to:
http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewnews.php?newsid=1380

For a country profile on Pakistan, please go to: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pages/country-profiles/pakistan.php

Please note: Masih is a common name among Pakistan Christians. It means ‘Messiah’. It does not necessarily mean the dead and injured are related.

For further information please contact Release International on 01689 823491 or by email at info@releaseinternational.org

And for more information on Release International please go to: www.releaseinternational.org