PESHAWAR: At least one Christian pastor was gunned down while another sustained injuries when unidentified assailants opened fire on them near Peshawar’s Madina Market on Sunday.
According to details, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Gulbahar police station. The police said the pastors – identified as William Siraj and Patrick – were attacked on the Ring Road when they were travelling in a van to run a personal errand.
The Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson said that Patrick was slightly wounded and was in a stable condition. The dead body has been handed over to the family while the injured person was being treated accordingly.
Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of police has arrived on the murder scene. According to the police, they have started a search operation in the area.
They added that entry and exit points were also under surveillance to nab any suspicious person. The cameras installed in the nearby market will also be examined by the investigation team.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has taken notice of the incident and instructed the inspector-general of police (IGP) to immediately arrest the perpetrators.
“Attacks on religious persons are highly condemnable. The culprits can’t escape the law”, the chief minister said, directing hospitals to ensure the best medical assistance to the injured priest.
In 2013, All Saints Church was the heart of what is called the deadliest attack on Christians in Pakistan. Nearly 127 people had died and over 250 injured in the bombing.
