Sir: ‘Islamic invaders’ are so strong in Pakistan that they sometimes challenge the government. The Lal Masjid operation is a major example. Since General Ziaul Haq introduced rules to bring Pakistani law more in line with sharia — or at least the sharia interpreted by him and his cohorts — these laws have had a long-term impact on Pakistan’s minorities. Since then, there has been a steady rise in incidents involving attacks on Christians. The Christians of Chak 3/4-L, Okara had started the construction of a church on land donated by Akber Masih, a Christian resident of the area. They had constructed bare minimum walls and, at the main gate, they placed the sign of the cross. As soon as Muslims in the area saw the cross, ‘Islamic invaders’ came and bulldozed the under construction church. They used tractors to pull down the boards that held up sacred Bible verses. Human rights activists intervened and lodged a report with the police against the culprits. Sohail Johnson, chairman of Sharing Life Ministries Pakistan, claimed that the invaders, backed by a local politician, have not been arrested so far. He reported that Mehr Abdul Sattar, an ex-candidate for the provincial assembly from the PPP, has a strong hold in the area and is protecting the accused. Instead, officials are threatening the local Christians. It is urged that the local government take strict action against this crime and ensure the protection of minorities in the country. SHAMIM MASIH Via Email