ICC Note: Earlier this week, four Christians in Quetta, Pakistan were shot and killed by ISIS militants while riding in an auto-rickshaw. A pamphlet left behind by the militants declares the attack as “the first episode of genocide against Christians.” This threat has many Christians in Quetta and Pakistan fearful of future attacks on their community.

04/06/2018 Pakistan (Mission Network News) – Four members of a Christian family were shot and killed while riding in a rickshaw on Monday in Quetta, Pakistan. The family was targeted by gunmen on motorcycles. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“While it’s the latest in a spate of attacks on Christians, it’s actually a pamphlet that was left behind at the scene of the crime that’s really captivated the attention of local Christian leaders. And that note read that “this is the first episode of genocide against Christians,” FMI’s Bruce Allen shares.

“Even though the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, the local authorities are downplaying that– saying it was simply a random act of violence. And yet that note left at the scene would speak otherwise,” Allen says.

Some Christian leaders think the downplay of this incident by local authorities may have something to do with the fact the Pakistani government has had a difficult time extinguishing ISIS from the country. The government may be in denial that the terrorist group is operating in the country.

However, Allen says it seems this note is genuine and there will more than likely be increased attacks against Christians and other minorities. In fact, just within the past five months, the persecution of Christians has risen. Christians have experienced a higher volume of physical violence and false blasphemy charges.

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For interviews with William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].