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Kidnapped Anglican priest left for dead in Pakistan
by Scott Gilbreath ~ January 13th, 2009
An Anglican priest in the Diocese of Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan, who was kidnapped last week, was found on Sunday evening dumped outside the gates of Saint John’s Cathedral Church. The Rev Tanzeel Zafar had been severely beaten, thrown at the church gate, and apparently left for dead. He was rushed to hospital and given emergency treatment.
The identity of the kidnappers is unknown.
The Rt Rev Mano Rumalshah, Bishop of Peshawar, thanked the police for their help and lamented the increasing prevalence of kidnappings in the region.
The Bishop further noted with sadness that kidnapping in our area goes unabated. And it really affects the whole community especially when religious leaders are abducted. He prayed that all such incidents may be stopped and that religious tolerance and harmony may be realized amongst all people. He also wishes to thank the support of the whole Christian community both of [sic] its religious and political leaders especially the two Christian MPAs [Members of Provincial Assembly] of NWFP namely Mr. Price Javed and Mr. Asif Bhatti.
Rev Zafar is 28 years old and father of two children. News reports do not say whether he will suffer any lasting effects from his injuries.
Radical Muslims in NWFP have engaged in a series of actions in recent years to intimidate Christians in the region.
h/t: International Christian Concern
UPDATE (14 Jan.): AsiaNews has more.
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January 15th, 2009 at 08:44 PM
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