Pakistan (MNN) — Christians in Pakistan are taking a bold
stand as they face threats from Islamic militants.
Christians in Charsadda received threats from Islamic
radicals to either flee the town or face dire consequences. In
the face of that threat, Christians have responded to the ultimatum of
conversion with a declaration that they were ready to sacrifice their lives for
Jesus Christ and would not deny Him. This announcement was made in a press
conference organized by All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) at Islamabad.
The Christian Community leaders of Charsadda and Murdan, pastors,
Bishop Anthony Lobo, minority members of Assembly, and the Chairman of the
APMA, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, addressed the conference. Bhatti said, "We
strongly condemn the threatening letter and ultimatum given to Christians of
Charsadda. Christians of Pakistan cannot be intimidated through coercive
means; we can die, but we cannot compromise on our faith. We are Patriotic
citizens of Pakistan and can never bow down before Islamic militants and
extremist forces."
Christians in the town of Charsadda, in the Northwest
Frontier Province of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, received threatening
letters containing an ultimatum giving them 10 days to convert to Islam or face dire
consequences and bomb explosions. The deadline of the ultimatum expired on May
17, 2007.
