Lahore: July 4, 2019. (PCP) A delegation of Christian and Muslim leaders of National Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (NCIDE, Catholic Bishops’ conference Pakistan) visited the house of Maria, an 11 years old Christian girl who was forcibly abducted and gang raped for three days in Lahore. The delegation was led by Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap (Executive secretary NCIDE) and Moulana Muhammad Asim Makhdoom (Chairman Kul Masalik Board). A number of Muslim leaders namely Moulana Ashiq Hussain, Allama Dr. BadarMunir, Pir S. A. Jaffry, Allama ArifAsghar Chishti and Qari Ahmad Shakeel Sadiquee joined the Christian leaders Fr. Samson Dilawar, Fr. Naqash Azam and Asghar Sardar to express solidarity with the grieved family of Maria.

While talking to the media, Fr. Francis Nadeem expressed his sorrow on the increasing events of rapes in the country especially against the minorities. He demanded the government to take immediate measures to stop these kinds of tragedies and provide security to the family and properties of the victims.

Representing the Muslim leaders, Moulana Muhammad Asim Makhdoom assured the victim’s family for their full support and cooperation in the legal assistance against the culprits. They demand a strict legal action and rapid justice for the victim.