Christians, Muslims pray at memorial services for Benazir Bhutto

Published: 2008-01-08

LAHORE, Pakistan (CNS) -- Christians and Muslims joined in memorial services for former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in churches around the country as they called for an independent inquiry into her assassination. More than 300 people -- including nuns, human rights activists and political leaders from Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party -- gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore for a special Mass Jan. 6, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency. They placed garlands, bouquets and candles near large portraits of Bhutto in front of the altar and at the entrance of the cathedral. Banners read: "We salute Benazir Bhutto for struggling for the restoration of minorities' rights and prosperity for the poor," "She was a hope for minorities" and "We demand immediate arrest of the killers of Bhutto." The All Pakistan Minority Alliance, a Christian political party, had called for a National Prayer Day Jan. 6 to honor Bhutto, 54, who was killed in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, Dec. 27.

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