Joseph Colony Riots: Protesters condemn torching of 150 houses

PESHAWAR:

Christians in Peshawar staged a protest against the provincial government of Punjab for failing to protect the lives and properties of minorities.

Led by Awami National Party’s (ANP) minority MPA Asif Bhatti, demonstrators started marching forward from Lahori Gate at around 10am. Passing through Catholic Church Kohati Gate and Dabgari Garden, the convention merged with another demonstration headed by Church of Pakistan Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chapter Bishop Humphrey Peter at Bishop House in Saddar Cantonment area.

The combined gathering later convened outside Peshawar Press Club at around 2pm.

A large number of ANP activists and female protesters took part in the demonstration and expressed solidarity with victims of Joseph Colony riots in which more than 150 houses of Christians were reduced to ashes. Protesters chanted slogans against the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and demanded compensation for victims.

Leading the female protesters, ANP member Madam Jasmine lamented violent incidents targeting minorities, particularly Christians, are increasing, while the government is reluctant to take any action against the perpetrators.

She said such incidents are portraying a bad image of the country and obstructing religious harmony. Traffic was also disrupted in Saddar Bazaar, Kohati and Shuba Market as a result of the protests.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2013.