Pakistan: Taliban militants release 16 Christians
Jul 08 2008
Postings >> Pakistan

Taliban militants in Pakistan's north-west have apologised for abducting 16 Christians – in what some see as a cynical ploy to prove they are fit to rule in the region.

Militants kidnapped the group at gunpoint during a prayer meeting in Peshawar on June 21 and took them up to the Afghan border. Within hours, the 16 had been recovered safety.

Soon afterwards the Taliban confused commentators by apologising at a press conference for the kidnapping and announcing that it was the result of a 'misunderstanding'.

However, contrary to some reports, RI sources say a total of 32 believers were seized and 16 remain in captivity. Observers are suspicious of the Taliban's motives for another reason too. Militants also kidnapped the Christians' landlord, a Muslim named Muhammed Siraj – and he has apparently not been freed either.

The Christians all live in a building owned by Siraj, which was once an Islamic seminary. Under Islamic law, Mr Siraj could be accused of 'desecrating' a former seminary by allowing 'infidels' to live there. If he is harmed, his tenants will probably be evicted. Taliban have recently ordered the Christians to move out – but they have always refused.

As 7x7 has reported (7x7, April 29, 2008), part of North West Frontier Province has been handed over to the Taliban as part of a ceasefire deal with local and federal governments.

RI sources suggest that the Taliban's apology could be a clumsy attempt to counter criticism levelled at the Pakistan government for handing over power to radicals in parts of province. The small Christian community there is under mounting pressure to conform to Sharia law – so the Taliban's apology has a hollow ring to it.

(Source: Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement, International Christian Concern)

Pray for Christians in North West Frontier Province whose religious freedoms are increasingly threatened as Islamist radicals extend their powerbase.

Pray that the 16 Christians and their landlord Muhammed Siraj held by the Taliban will be freed immediately.