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Ajit Jain in Toronto
At a joint meeting of the Canada Pakistan Forum and the International Christian Awaz (Canada), held over the weekend at the Ramada Inn in suburban Etobicoke, West of Toronto, speakers condemned the recent massacre of 18 Christians in Pakistan.
They had nothing to do with what was happening in Afghanistan. The Pakistani community in Canada received this horrific news with deep sadness and indignation, it was stated.
"Regardless of their religious beliefs, all Pakistani citizens must be treated equally," suggested Shadab Khokhar, chair of the International Christian Awaz (Canada).
"The Government of Pakistan should abolish all laws that are discriminatory and against human rights," said Zubair Choudhry, chair of the Canada Pakistan Forum.
"The government should also reform its electoral system to allow the minorities to have equal rights to vote and run for public offices," he added.
All the speakers at the forum expressed their deepest concerns over the massacre.
The incident was not only an affront to the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians around the world, but its timing had the potential to further escalate tensions and jeopardise Pakistan's efforts in this campaign against terror, it was stated.
The speakers included Kenneth Khokhar, Mirza M Afzal, Javed Bakash, Raheel Raza, Khalid Usman, and Pakistani Consul-General in Toronto, Iftikhar Arian.
The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada also condemned the incident.
Syed Soharweardy, the founder and national president of ISCC, said the crime was carried out by those who wanted to destroy world peace.
ALSO READ Eighteen Christians massacred in Pakistan 11 held for Pakistan church killings; politicians blame India
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