May 10, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Javed Anjum, a 19-year-old Catholic student from Quetta in Pakistan died from torture wounds inflicted by Muslim extremists in Faisalabad on May 2.
The news, reported by “Aid to the Church in Need,” was confirmed by Bishop Joseph Coutts who presided at Javed’s funeral on May 3, after having seen the 26 wound marks on his body.
“Please pray for the breaved family of Javed and also for us as we take up this struggle for justice. We have a new martyr. Sad as we are, Javed’s strong faith and his blood, like that of all martyrs, will strengthen us,” said Bishop Coutts.
The bishop also appealed to local Catholics not to stage violent protests or strikes as the case is being legally prosecuted. He was also quick to point out that many Muslims have condemned the murder and have expressed their solidarity with the Catholic population.