IDARA Shooting
(27/09/2002) 27 September 2002
IDARA SHOOTING
The ACSJC has been shocked and saddened by the news of the shooting of several staff members of the Institute for Justice and Peace, known as IDARA, in Karachi, Pakistan.
While the motive for the attack and a number of the details are not yet clear, what is known is that at least seven people are dead.
Both Christians and Muslims work together at IDARA. Reports vary as to whether all the victims of the gunmen were Christian, or if Muslim staff were among the victims.
IDARA has been working for the rights of the poorest sections of Pakistan society for the last 30 years. With other local human rights organisations, it has been endeavouring to obtain basic employment for municipal and textile workers, and running programs in the field of human rights. It defends the poor regardless of race or religion.
Members of the ACSJC and Secretariat visited IDARA in 2001, and contact has been maintained, ensuring that the ACSJC has been kept informed of events in Pakistan.
The ACSJC expresses its sympathy to the families of the victims of the shooting and to the staff and supporters of IDARA. Let us pray for an end to violence in Pakistan and for a peace that will enable all people of goodwill to work together towards a just society in Pakistan.
Bishop William Morris
Chair, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Ph: 07 4639 2251 Suzette Clark, RSC Acting National Executive Officer,
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council Ph: 02 9956 5811 |
