Six Christian Churches in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been allowed to reopen after their forced closure over alleged security threats. The surprise ban, which came shortly after the U.S. placed Pakistan on a special watch list for severe violation of religious freedom, angered minority leaders and rights activists who called the move discriminatory.
As reported by ucanews.com, Pastor Christopher Shakar said in a statement that “All churches have got verbal permission to reopen and worship according to their religious faith and beliefs. We are expecting to get a written order soon.” Further, he added, “We are grateful to everyone for being with us when we were facing difficulties to worship our Lord. God has proven once again he is always with us.”
The ban was overturned by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Speaker Asad Qaiser when the matter was taken up by opposition lawmakers in the provincial assembly.
Source: www.ucanews.com
