APMA threatens countrywide strike if attackers not arrested
By Angelina Bashir

ISLAMABAD—Chairman All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, Shahbaz Bhatti has said that the government has badly failed to provide protection to the minorities adding that the Christian community will observe countrywise strike if those involved in torching churches are not arrested within 48 hours.
He was addressing a press conference here Monday. He told that for the time being community had announced a 7-day mourning. All the Christian educational institutions will remain closed on Thursday, he declared.
He called for investigation into the incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran and burning churches in Sangla Hills. The allegation leveled against Yusuf Masih for desecration of the Holy Quran is wrong. This is sheer a propaganda blitz by a drug peddler and gambler Kaloo goldsmith who after losing Rs 15 thousands to Yusuf Masih in gambling refused to give this money to the latter. This led to row between them. In order to take revenge Kaloo gold smith used the mosques for making such false announcements that Yusuf had indulged in desecration of the Holy Quran.
These provocative announcements infuriated the people and some anti social elements deliberately set the churches on fire and showed the match to holy books of Bible, he alleged. These books are sacred for Muslims as well, he added. He charged that SHO Malik Bashir Awan intentionally turned blind eyes to this tragic event. He did not take any action against those who attacked churches.