Christians are leaving the southern Pakistani city of Quetta following a wave of targeted attacks by jihadists.
Two Christians were killed and four seriously injured when gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on worshippers leaving a church service on 15 April 2018, while four Christians were killed in a drive-by shooting on Easter Monday (2 April 2018). In December 2017, a suicide bombing at Bethel Memorial Methodist Church left nine dead and over 50 injured. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for all three attacks.
One Christian, speaking on condition of anonymity, told journalists: “We have been living for centuries in Quetta but due to targeted killings of the Christian community, I have lost nine of my family members and friends. Many of our relatives shifted to Karachi and we will also leave Quetta due to the deteriorating security situation … Leaving [our] home town is quite tough but we have no other option.”
The pastor of Bethel Memorial Methodist Church told Barnabas Fund, "We are under threat of further attacks and the local police have provided us with some protection at the church. I have faith in Jesus Christ, with His angels to protect us. Some people are leaving, but He is with us and makes us brave in heart to stay in Quetta."
From Barnabas Fund contacts
