Lahore: Christians in shock over the murder of an activist and political leader
Islamabad
(AsiaNews) - The Pakistani Christian community is still in shock over the
killing of Irshad Younas Chaudhry, activist and political leader, shot to death
on the evening of 27 April (see photo).
The
next morning, investigators opened an investigation against Nadeem Sohtra, the
alleged murderer, who tried to flee after the shooting. We
currently do not have details yet on the motive that drove the man, the son of
a Christian leader of the Punjab, to shoot, more items could emerge from
interrogations in progress at this time.
Activists,
Christian leaders and laymen, attended the funeral of Irshad Younas Chaudhry, a
Christian politician originally from Youhanabad, in Lahore, Punjab. Would
be to kill the young Sohtra Nadeem, son of Naseem Sohtra, coordinator of the Sheikhpura
Christian movement All Pakistan
Minorities Alliance (APMA), founded by the Minister for Minorities Shahbaz
Bhatti assassinated by Islamic extremists March 2, 2011.
Initial
information indicates that Nadeem met the victim at his home, and soon after,
fired. The
bullets hit Chaurhry in the chest. The
police quickly intervened by arresting the alleged murderer, who tried to
escape, the Christian politician died and the intervention of an ambulance in
an attempt to reive the victim proved useless.
Humanitarian
organizations Masihi Foundation and Life for All have strongly condemned the
murder, pointing out that the victim was "a fearless, passionate politician
and social activist," who several times in the past "raised his voice
against injustice" . Speaking to AsiaNews Fr. John
Maxwell, of the Archdiocese of Lahore, speaks of "huge loss for the
community" because he was someone who cared, for "the future of young
Christians and gave them several opportunities" in social life and
workplace.
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