Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, has expressed grave concern over the volatile situation in Mandi Bahauddin where extremist groups have been inciting violence against Christians.

He said his party would not remain silent while atrocities took place against marginalised communities and asked the Federal and Punjab government to take immediate action.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also demanded that special security should be provided to Christian areas to prevent any loss of life or property.

He expressed solidarity with the minority community of Mandi Bahauddin and assured them that his Party would raise their concerns about security at every forum and would not leave them alone in the face of hardship.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, welcomed Mr Bhutto’s statement and said that unfortunately the misuse of the blasphemy law continues to grow, often with devastating consequences.

“False accusations often lead to attacks on churches, Christian towns and villages being set on fire, or the killing of innocent Christians, as Muslim becomes religiously emotional.

“Christians who believe the Blasphemy law is the root cause of their prosecution have a long-standing demand for it to be repealed, or for appropriate changes being made to it. At the very least they want to see the introduction of safeguards to stop the ongoing misuse of the law.

“But unfortunately, despite knowing the facts, nobody is willing to touch this law and Christians cries are falling on deaf ears.”

He further said it is the responsibility of the government, politicians, and religious leadership to sit together and find a solution to this growing problem.

Mr Saeed added that such statements are not enough and that something practical is desperately needed. Under the 18th amendment Bilawal Bhutto can take some measures in his own province where the PPP has its own government.