Pakistan Christian school stormed in Charlie Hebdo protest

A Christian school in Pakistan has been stormed by hundreds of students protesting against the Charlie Hebdo magazine, which published an image of the prophet Mohammed on its front page following the attack which claimed 12 lives.

Four people were injured when around 300 student protesters, some of them reportedly carrying guns, forced their way into the Panel High School for Boys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The intruders vandalised the school and demanded its closure. However, it is to re-open following discussions with police and the provincial governor.

The Charlie Hebdo caricatures triggered massive protests in Pakistan, with up to 30,000 marching in Karachi earlier this week and a large demonstration in Lahore. 

Nasir Saeed, director of Pakistani human rights organisation CLAAS-UK, said: "It is very sad because Pakistani Christians are equally angry about Charlie Hebdo, and many Christians have been participating in the protests against the magazine.

"It is very unfortunate that even after 67 years Christians are not considered Pakistani citizens but they are considered allies of the west and therefore whenever such incidents happen in western countries Christians come under attack.

"Their churches are attacked and their properties are set on fire, and such incidents make Christians, who are already living under constant fear for their lives, become more vulnerable."

He concluded: "It is the responsibility of the politicians and the government to create such an environment where Christians and religious minorities feel safe and secure."

related articles
Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents
Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents

Pakistan: Return to school for Peshawar children brings fresh waves of grief for parents

Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry
Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry

Pakistan must stop supporting militants, says Kerry

French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad
French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad

French President defends freedom of speech after anti-Hebdo clashes abroad

Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo
Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo

Pakistan: Christians join Muslims in protests against Charlie Hebdo

Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers
Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers

Pakistan: Homes of 13 Christian families demolished after they refuse to be bonded labourers

News
Russian courts ban more Baptist churches in continued crackdown
Russian courts ban more Baptist churches in continued crackdown

Russian courts have banned three more Baptist churches affiliated with the Council of Churches Baptists in the southern region of Krasnodar amid an ongoing crackdown on unregistered congregations across the country.

Evangelicals offer praise for Armenia PM after he recites Bible at prayer breakfast amid church tensions
Evangelicals offer praise for Armenia PM after he recites Bible at prayer breakfast amid church tensions

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, under criticism from rights groups over his government's treatment of senior clergy from Armenia's national church, received strong praise from American and British Evangelical leaders after highlighting his record at the country's first national prayer breakfast on Saturday. 

Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee meet Pope
Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee meet Pope

Pope Leo XIV welcomed a group of Hollywood luminaries to the Vatican on Saturday, including Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett and director Spike Lee. 

The gift of fellowship in building one body in Christ
The gift of fellowship in building one body in Christ

There’s a saying that a lone coal grows dim, but coals heaped together glow red-hot. The same could be said of the Church.