Justice and peace condemns Lahore attack: rescue young people from the demon of terrorism
The Taliban attacker between 16 and 18 years old. Extremist groups use "our youth to bring destruction". Educator: "It's not enough to kill some suspects. Terrorism is a wrong ideology that creeps into the depths of our society. "
Lahore (AsiaNews) - The Justice and Peace Commission (Ncjp) of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference expresses a clear condemnation of the Taliban attack on July 24 in Lahore, Punjab, where 26 people died, including nine policemen . On behalf of the whole Commission, Msgr. Joseph Arshad, the President, Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf, the national director, and Cecil S. Chaudhry, executive director, say: "Killing innocent people and security agents is unacceptable."
They recall that the age of the attacker - around 16-18 - is very similar to that of other young people who in previous months have hit several Pakistani cities. That is why they call on the authorities to reflect on the fact that "illegal extremist groups are using our youth to bring about destruction. We must unite forces despite our political-religious or cultural differences and save our children from this demon. "
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab's chief minister also condemned the kamikaze attack perpetrated by a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistani affiliate in the market area of Ferozepur Road. To the authorities, the Commission asks "to ensure the guilty of justice, to address the extremists and root out the causes of intolerance", as well as to "strengthen the protection of all citizens". Archbishop Arshad and Fr. Yousaf argue that "life is uncertain because of the insecurity in the country and the citizens are even more vulnerable".
Hamza Arshad, educator and writer, points out to AsiaNews that "the Lahore attack reminds us once again that terrorism is far from being defeated," and that "the backs of terrorists, despite all military campaigns, are still unbroken. " "It may also happen," he continues, "that some suspects will be arrested and removed in a clash with the police. But this is our only recipe to counter terrorism. Experience teaches us that killing a few hundred or even thousands of suspects is not enough. Terrorism is a misguided ideology that creeps into the depths of our society, from sports to the media, from services to students. The fear is that this far-right narrative is much more powerful than the past. If we do not try to change it or challenge it, terrorism will not be defeated. " And he concludes: "We need to learn a simple truth: terrorists want to discourage us, to capture the state and engage in a global holy war."
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