Peaceful protest: ‘Black day’ observed against anti-Islam film

At the protest, provincial minister for tourism promised the community that ANP-led government will rebuild the church

PESHAWAR:

A ‘black day’ was peacefully observed by the Jamat Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan against the anti-Islam movie.

The rally started from Mohabbat Khan Mosque and ended at Chowk Yadgar. Fearing vandalism, business activities in the walled city remained low.

JI leaders Shabir Ahmad Khan and Behrullah Advocate addressed protesters. Khan condemned the killings and destruction during Friday’s riots and blamed the provincial government for having a poor security plan.

The Christian community also staged a protest, headed by the Chairman of Assemblies of God Church, Doctor A R Hashmat, against the blasphemous movie and the destruction of a church in Mardan district.

At the protest, provincial minister for tourism, Syed Aqil Shah, promised the community that the ANP-led government will rebuild the church.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2012.