Churches threatened by suicide attacks in Pakistan

On Monday 11 July, only days after the London bombings, newspapers in Pakistan reported that banned Jihad organisations were allegedly preparing operations in protest against the Pakistan government for its pro-US stance and for clamping down on Jihad groups in Pakistan. Newspapers reported how intelligence reports had revealed that a number of government ministers were being targeted, as well as various foreign diplomats, and a number of churches.

Reports said that Jihad organisations had selected churches across Pakistan, but five churches were specifically named in the capital, Islamabad, and the neighbouring town of Rawalpindi.

The reports added that Jihad groups were being formed and equipped with automatic weapons and explosives in preparation for attacks. Sources revealed that such operations could be in the form of car bombings or suicide attacks, and were aimed at putting pressure on the Pakistan government into reconsidering its policies on Jihad organisations and its co-operation with the US and other western governments.

As the Pakistan government continues its co-operation with the British government on the suspected links of the London bombers with Pakistan, no link has been made with the 07 July bombings and these latest threats.