In a startling incident that has sent shockwaves throughout Christian communities in Pakistan, Pastor Alizer Sidhu, aged 33, a dedicated clergyman serving at the Presbyterian Church in Khunwana, Faisalabad, narrowly survived a life-threatening attack on the evening of September 3, 2023, while returning home after visiting some church families.
This assassination attempt has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan and underscores the pressing need for enhanced protection and religious tolerance.
In an extraordinary display of bravery and resilience, Pastor Alizer Sidhu, also known as Pastor Vicky, recorded a video statement while en route to the hospital in an ambulance. In this heartfelt video message, he recounted the terrifying encounter with his assailants. According to his narrative, armed individuals blocked his motorcycle by parking their own motorcycle in front of him and demanded that he recite the Kalma, an Islamic declaration of faith. When the pastor refused, one of the attackers chanted a slogan and opened fire, displaying a distressing act of religious intolerance. Pastor Vicky had previously anticipated and attempted to avoid such an incident.
A week earlier, a viral video on social media showed unidentified individuals writing Islamic scripture on the walls of the Presbyterian Church in Rehmat Town, Satyana Road, Faisalabad. During the church's early morning prayers, these unknown individuals inscribed Islamic texts on the walls, which not only affirmed the finality of the prophet but also contained curses against Pastor Vicky. These curses were unusual and strongly implied that certain members of the Muslim community held grievances against the pastor as well. In response to this incident, Pastor Vicky peacefully contacted the police for assistance.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. Mustafa, along with his team, promptly arrived at the scene and used ink-removal spray to erase the text. While the police were engaged in removing the text, Pastor Vicky recorded a video, clarifying that they were not involved in removing the text, as the responsibility lay with the police officers.
The graffiti on Pastor Sidhu's church has drawn widespread condemnation from various segments of society, including leaders of Pakistan's National Ulema Council. This condemnation underscores the immediate need for religious tolerance and the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. It is imperative that such incidents are thoroughly investigated, and those responsible are brought to justice. Two days later, Pastor Sidhu was accosted by two men who threatened to seek revenge for the removal of the Islamic script.
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