Violence follows slaying

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

A supporter of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto lights a candle during a memorial service in Bhutto's honor at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore, Pakistan, Jan. 6. Since Bhutto was assassinated during a political rally Dec. 27, Pakistan has been shaken by violent street demonstrations and bombings, which have led Christian leaders to issue statements of concern over the increasing insecurity. The Pakistani Catholic bishops' National Commission for Justice and Peace condemned the attacks Jan. 11 and urged the authorities to change their tactics to restore order and security. "The country should return to democracy as soon as possible and the government should review its internal and foreign policy to make protection of human rights its priority," the statement read. The church and civil society groups have condemned the involvement of the army and the intelligence agency in politics.

COPYRIGHT 2008 National Catholic Reporter
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning