By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
MIRANSHAH: In a plea for increased protection, the Christian community in North Waziristan has called on authorities to take concrete measures to ensure their safety.
This appeal follows a protest in response to the murder of Ashfaq Masih, 39, who was shot dead by unidentified motorcyclists on Mir Ali Road the previous day.
Khalid Iqbal, a representative of the Christian community, highlighted the increasing threats and violence faced by Christians, which he believed were attempts to drive them out of the region. Iqbal stated that community members would cease working from tomorrow to protest the ongoing targeted killings. He emphasized that despite repeated threats and violent incidents, no substantial security measures have been implemented.
Iqbal recounted a similar incident from a year ago when Ashfaq Masih’s younger brother was killed in Eidak Bazar, Mir Ali, and lamented the lack of justice and protection for their community. He urged the government to ensure the safety and security of Christians, who continue to serve the region despite facing life-threatening risks.
The protest saw participation from Ashfaq Masih’s mother, who demanded justice for her family.
Assistant Commissioner Khalid Imran visited the protest site, engaging in discussions with community leaders. He assured them that the authorities would act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators. The recent attacks, which also claimed the life of Jalil Banosi, have heightened the community’s call for urgent action to prevent further violence.
