FAITH leaders have joined forces to highlight the treatment of minority faiths in Pakistan.

A candlelit vigil is being planned to raise awareness of what campaigners call the persecution of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Shi’ite Muslims.

The event, called Save Four Million, will take place at Hope Metro Church in St James’ Old School Community Centre, Cannon Street, Accrington.

The move has also been backed by the Lancashire Council of Mosques, and a Muslim community leader has offered to write to the Pakistani High Commission.

Lancashire Telegraph columnist Rev Kevin Logan, the former vicar at Christ Church, Accrington, has organised the event.

He said minority faiths had suffered since Pakistan brought in blasphemy laws in 1986.

He said: “We wanted something about Christmas time to highlight the fact that Pakistani Christians risk life and limb if they so much as sing a carol out loud.

“We’ll be lighting candles in memory of all those of all minority faiths who have suffered since Pakistan introduced their infamous blasphemy law in 1986.”

Salim Mulla, of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: “It is a good idea, and we have to raise awareness with all sections of the community.

“Sometimes the Muslim community is very quick to highlight situations elsewhere, but we have an equal responsibility, where other faiths are being persecuted, to speak up.”

The event starts at 2pm on Sunday, December 20 and will last for 45 minutes.