ISLAMABAD - The religious fraternity of Pakistan has strongly condemned attack on Christian priests which left one priest dead and another wounded.

Both the victims were targeted when they were leaving church in Peshawar after the Sunday Mass.

According to initial report by police, the priest who lost his life in an ambush was identified as Father William Siraj and the one got wounded was Father Patrick Naeem who was being treated in Peshawar and was declared out of danger by the doctors.

Meanwhile, the attack on Christian Priests has drawn condemnation from all the segments of society. Condemning the attack, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Middle East and Interfaith Harmony Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said that their prayers were with families of victims. He said that such attacks on minorities in Pakistan will never be tolerated and the culprits will be held accountable with no delay.

Meanwhile, Bishop Azad Marshal from Church of Pakistan tweeted, “We strongly condemn the firing on clergy of Diocese of Peshawar and instant killing of Pastor William Siraj and injuring Rev Patrick Naeem earlier today. We demand justice and protection of Christians from the Government of Pakistan,” he tweeted.

CoP’s Bishop of Peshawar Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters, in a statement, condemned the attack, saying it was aimed at harming interfaith harmony.

“We did not receive any terror alert from the security agencies. The priests were returning from the Sunday mass at the All Saints Church Ring Road parish when they were ambushed. We demand arrest of the assailants and security for our community members,” he said.

Bishops of Karachi, Multan, Hyderabad and Sialkot also condemned the murderous attack and demanded justice for the deceased’s family. A memorial service for deceased William Siraj will be held on Monday at All Saints Church in Peshawar. A Peshawar based social activist from Hindu Community Haroon Sarab Diyal said that such incidents were damaging the image of Pakistan. He said that it was not a good sign for the peace of the country. He demanded the government to take the matter seriously as it may draw attention from the international media outlets which will have bad impact on the image of Pakistan.

On the other hand, a senior police officer from Peshawar told The Nation that investigation was underway in the attack on Pastors. He said that police will utilise all its sources and resources to arrest perpetrators.