Pakistani Christians wounded in church attack

BUREWALA, Pakistan — At least seven Christian worshippers were injured in an armed attack by local Muslims in a church service March 18 in southern Punjab Province, Pakistan.

Pastor Haleem Feroze Masih of the King Jesus Church in Burewala said he was leading the service when at least 15 local Muslims entered the church compound and attacked the congregation.

The attack was preceded by a clash outside the church building in which church elders were attacked while trying to install a sign announcing the upcoming Easter festival.

Pakistan, which is about 96 percent Muslim, is ranked fifth on Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List. (MS)