Lahore: Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday
assured Christians in Pakistan that the government would bring
to book those responsible for burning to death eight members
of the community in Punjab province, even as police arrested
five people in connection with the recent sectarian violence.
During a visit to Gojra, where eight people were
killed in riots that erupted last week following reports that
members of the minority community had allegedly desecrated the
Quran, Gilani vowed to give the Christian community justice.
"I have come here to express solidarity and console
with the Christian community. They are the citizens of
Pakistan and it was the duty of both the provincial and
federal governments to protect their life and property," he
said after meeting victims of the violence.
"The work of missionary institutions for the welfare
of the country cannot be ignored. Christians have played an
important role in making and developing Pakistan," he said,
adding that exemplary punishment would be given to those
responsible for the violence.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have arrested five
activists of the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba in connection with the
violence in Gojra. The arrested men were taken to Lahore for
questioning.
Police earlier booked over 800 people and questioned
about 100 people.
Bureau Report
