Priest shot down dead in Peshawar

William Siraj, a priest, was shot dead while another was injured after armed assailants opened fire on them in Peshawar, reports Dawn.

After the incident, evidence was collected from the scene and the body was shifted for an autopsy while further investigation is underway. However, the injured priest was discharged after being provided medical treatment for sustaining minor injuries.

According to the police, “Siraj was a padre at a church within Chamkani police station limits.” Moreover, police have launched a comprehensive investigation.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Abbas Ahsan said, “We are determined to protect minorities.” He added that a team consisting of officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Peshawar police have been formed to probe the case.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan took notice of the incident and condemned the fact that religious leaders of the Christian community were targeted. He also directed the Inspector General of Police (IG) to take necessary steps for arresting the culprits.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman strongly condemned the attack.

“Terrorism that targets anyone, especially for their faith, is heinous and must be fought against with the full force of a clear, concerted policy and state power. No compromise, no equivocation,” she tweeted.