The Archbishops of Canterbury and York condemn the murder of Pakistan Minorities Minister:
Archbishops of Canterbury and York strongly condemn murder of Pakistan Minorities Minister
From the Archbishop of Canterbury website
“It is with the greatest shock and sorrow that we have heard of the assassination of Mr Shahbaz Bhatti, Minister for Religious Minorities in Pakistan. This further instance of sectarian bigotry and violence will increase anxiety worldwide about the security of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan, and we urge that the Government of Pakistan will do all in its power to bring to justice those guilty of such crimes and to give adequate protection to minorities. Meanwhile, we assure Mr Bhatti’s family of our prayers and deep sympathy, and promise our continuing support for all those of whatever faiths who are working for justice and stability in Pakistan.”
Militants say killed Pakistani minister for blasphemy
More on this story from Reuters:
From Reuters
Gunmen shot dead Pakistan’s only Christian government minister on Wednesday for challenging a law that mandates the death penalty for insulting Islam, the second top official killed this year over the blasphemy law.
The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, minister for minorities, is the latest sign of deep political instability in the nuclear-armed U.S. ally. Frequent militant attacks and chronic economic problems have raised fears for Pakistan’s future.
Pakistani Taliban militants claimed responsibility for killing Bhatti, with a Taliban spokesman saying the minister was a blasphemer.
Bhatti was shot in broad daylight while traveling in a car near a market in the capital, Islamabad, police said.
“The attackers were wearing shawls and opened indiscriminate fire as they got close to the minister’s car,” Islamabad police chief Wajid Durrani told reporters.
The windshield of Bhatti’s car had four or five bullet holes and blood covered the back seat. A hospital spokesman said Bhatti, who had spoken out against the anti-blasphemy law, received several wounds.