27.1.15
Sindhi Youth Ignored
Former federal Minister MNA Shahid Hussain Bhutto has said that the youth of Sindh equally talented ignoring them is injustice, those who say that sindhis are not able they are mistaken its in fact inferiority of their thinking. Speaking at the annual function of Knowledge Centre Larkana (KCL) former Federal Minister Shahid Hussain Bhutto said that whenever a chance have been given to the people of Sindh they have got prominence in whole of the world on the basis of their merit. The debating contest on ‘Brain is better than beauty’ and the cultural programme was also components of the function. On the occasion, Dr. Sain Rakhio Mirani, DIG police Larkana said that those people who work for the development and peace in the society they are beautiful because beauty is not only outer appearance but behaviors and character as well. Whereas, the taking part in the debating competition the students spoke in the favour of both the brain and beauty. Favoring the brain ‘they said the brain has enabled the human being to make wonders in the field of science and technology. The brain has helped men to face the challenges of the nature, the brain has empowered us to subjugate the most dangerous animals on the earth, and it has given human a confidence to manufacture the life saving drugs, defend against our enemies, control the temperature and invent way and means to live comfortably and happily in this world. It is brain not beauty which has made the nations most prosperous, prominent and powerful. The other student claimed that beauty is better than brain they argued that there is not a single example in the history that beauty has caused any conflict, turmoil, annihilation, doom and destruction in the world but it has pacified the minds and leveled ground for peace and tranquility. Opposed to it the brain has always helped men to find out many ways of suppression and operation in the world. The brain helps men to exploit other and make him selfish and self centered two world wars which gave the gifts of thousands of the dead bodies, destroyed countries and gave the blemished face to the world. All that is the creation of none other than the brain sir, it is brain which has invented the lethal weapons, and mass destruction bombs. It is brain which has caused many troubles in this world which are increasing with every passing day. The students those participated in debating contest were Zohaib Laghari, Fshan Bhatti, Rizwana Soomro, Kahsif Siyal, Rubab Samo, Jabber Korai, Kashif Abbasi, Mariam Samo, Amber hullio, Haleema Chandio, Syed Muzamil, Sultani Bhatti and Fahad Miran. The Ist postion was secured by Afshan Bhatti, 2nd Haleema Chandio and third Amber Hullio. On the occasion, consolation prize was given to Mariam Samo. Fyaz Hussain Jatoi, Additional Commissioner I Larkana and Dr. Nair Sahikh also Spoke on the Occasion. Prof. Mukhtiar Samo, Honorary Director Knowledge Centre said that youth need to be provided positive platform. They will never go to any negative side if their talent is recognized. He also said that many such chances will be given to the students by knowledge centre in future also.
Christian Man loses Job for Being Christian
Mr. Riaz Sarfraz is a Pipe Fitter, Lahore Area in SNGPL for last twenty years. Chief of LEAD (Legal Evangelical Association Development) and President of PCC Punjab (Pakistan Christian Congress, Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill was informed and directed by Nazir S. Bhatti Chairman of PCC and Chief Editor of PCP on the request of Ms. Agnes Massey that Mr. Riaz sarfraz was dismissed from his job after receiving charge sheet on dated 12-09-2011 by General Manager (HR) vide Ref.SN/9076-6, to see the Mr. Riaz and give him legal assistance regarding his job dismissal. Yesterday on 4 February 2013, Mr. Riaz visited Chief of LEAD and he told the mishap of being fired from his job on false allegation which was mentioned in charge sheet against him. He shared that he gave answer of charge sheet on dated 26-09-2011.He gave all written evidences to respective department regarding of his being innocence but his evidences were not be considered while decision and action was taken against him. He told that the alleged charge of misconduct was incorrect, baseless and based on religious prejudice. He told that he was dismissed from job because of his Christian faith. He shared that he had no job and no any means earning for his children. He told that he was not given chance of departmental appeal which was his legal right. Christians in Pakistan often fired from their jobs after false allegations and Charge sheets when they reach to higher rank on basis of seniority. We received many such applications in which such issues are common in private sector and as well as in Government sector. Some are denied to be given jobs in private sectors and Government sectors only due to having Christian faith. LEAD is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with Children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, we are motivated by God's grace and love to serve all people regardless of race, religion gender or ethnicity. We ask for financial and moral support for the continuity of work of LEAD in Pakistan. We are thankful for all who are financially supporting LEAD's work for Persecuted Church. We ask for more partners who have same vision for persecuted Church, to be our partner for this noble cause.
PK Christians Reject EquaL Rights Claims
Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that 20 million Pakistani Christians are treated as 2nd class citizen in Pakistan and claims made by Acting President of Pakistan Farooq H Naik in a meeting with Swedish Ambassador that minorities in Pakistan are enjoying equal rights are not true. The Article 2 of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan undermines equal rights to religious minorities in Pakistan. Article 41 (2) and Islamic provisions are contrary to fundamental rights guaranteed in Article 9-21 of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Moreover, Article 203 D, section 298, 298 B, 295 B and 295 C of PPC, Law of Evidence and Compensation and Hadood Ordinance make Pakistani Christians 2nd or 3rd class citizens in state. Nazir Bhatti said “5% Quota to minorities is not proportional to our population and Mr. Farooq H Naik, Acting President of Pakistan must note complains of Christian youth that this quota of job is being sold by parliamentarians and heavy bribes are demanded by bureaucracy” “Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have always demanded election of Christian parliamentarians not selection by Muslim political groups because selection under Joint Electorate is undemocratic and negation to equal basic rights. In such circumstances, if government of Pakistan awards few seats in Senate of Pakistan, it will be addition in number of seats of Muslim political group nor representation to Christians in Senate” said Nazir Bhatti “We demand dual voting rights that Christian may elect their representatives in National Assembly of Pakistan, Senate of Pakistan and provincial Assemblies and may also vote to candidates of Muslim political groups in respective constituencies“ added Nazir S Bhatti Commenting of formation of separate Minority Ministry by Farooq H Naik, Pakistan Christian Congress President said “Shahbaz Bhatti is powerless Federal Minority Minister and can not walk out of Islamabad without orders of President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Gillani because he is selected by PPP not elected by Christian voters. Shahbaz Bhatti have less authority than any peon of federal secretariats” Dr. Nazir S Bhatt paid homage to Swedish Ambassador in Pakistan Ulrika Sundberg on raising minorities issues in his meeting with President of Pakistan and urged all foreign missions in Pakistan to raise Christian issues with government of Pakistan in their formal meetings. Nazir S Bhatti invited attention of Acting President of Pakistan on violence against Christians on pretext to blasphemy law, killing of 12 years old Christian girl Shazia Bashir, rapes and abduction of Christian women, enforced conversion of Christian girls and false cases of riots against victims of Muslim mob attacks in Korian, Gojra, Bahminwala, Karachi and Gujranwala. “Mr. Acting President ensure justice for 20 million Pakistani Christians and start with justice for Shazia Bashir who was raped and killed in home of one influential Muslim attorney in Lahore and government of Punjab changed medical reports to safe a culprit” said Nazir Bhatti
NIGER Muslims Kill Christians.....silently
The massacre in France by Islamist terrorists is clearly ringing hollow in many parts of the mainly Muslim world. After all, deaths have been reported in several nations, including Niger and Pakistan, and like usual Christians are deemed easy targets. It matters not that the French magazine mocks other faiths, nor that these are only words or depictions. Also, it appears that Boko Haram Takfiri Islamist massacres of Christians and Muslims alike is fine in neighboring Nigeria because where are the riots against this in Niger?
Therefore, once more Muslim zealots are bent on showing that the sanctity of life means little because instead innocents must die based on the deeds of a French magazine. Just like Niger demonstrators appear not to be too worried about the barbarity of Boko Haram in neighboring Nigeria, the same can be said for violent demonstrators in Pakistan. For in Pakistan, just like in Nigeria, militant Islamist Sunni Takfiris think nothing of killing children, butchering Shia Muslims and attacking and killing Christians from time to time. This reality shows that the sincerity of violent demonstrators is not only hollow but it is also based on upper hypocrisy.
It is known that Christian churches were attacked in Zinder in Niger and that at least four people have been killed. Sadly, nobody is shocked anymore – indeed, the only shocking reality is that Western leaders will keep up with their apologist statements.
The BBC reports: “Twelve people were killed in the attack, carried out by two French Muslims angry over earlier depictions of Muhammad in the magazine…Protests against the magazine were also seen on Friday in Pakistan, where protests turned violent in Karachi, the Sudanese capital of Khartoum and the Algerian capital, Algiers.”
Therefore, in the land of Algeria where vast numbers have been slaughtered by Islamists and in Sudan where over two million mainly African Christians and Animists were killed – and where non-Muslims were enslaved – it is clear that this didn’t upset the same people. Similarly, African black Muslims have been butchered in vast numbers in Sudan based on the deeds of Arabization because of the policies of various Khartoum regimes. Despite this reality, the same demonstrators worried about the depictions of Muhammed will have done nothing against decades of utter barbarity based on the deeds of several Khartoum regimes. In other words, mass murder and slavery of black Africans simply doesn’t measure up in Sudan but a cartoon and depictions are something else.
Turning back to Niger then attacking Christian churches and Christian shops is all part of the course. After all, Christians and other minorities like the Yazidis are being forced to flee from Iraq. Similarly, Takfiri Islamists hate all and sundry in Syria therefore the mass persecution of Alawite Muslims, Shia Muslims and Christians is ongoing. Likewise, in Somalia all converts to Christianity face being killed in barbaric ways by al-Shabaab and the same can be said in other parts of the mainly Muslim world.
Therefore, it appears that the same forces butchering and the same forces demonstrating are all doing so because they want to enforce their diktats on others, even if this means killing in the name of Allah.
Therefore, once more Muslim zealots are bent on showing that the sanctity of life means little because instead innocents must die based on the deeds of a French magazine. Just like Niger demonstrators appear not to be too worried about the barbarity of Boko Haram in neighboring Nigeria, the same can be said for violent demonstrators in Pakistan. For in Pakistan, just like in Nigeria, militant Islamist Sunni Takfiris think nothing of killing children, butchering Shia Muslims and attacking and killing Christians from time to time. This reality shows that the sincerity of violent demonstrators is not only hollow but it is also based on upper hypocrisy.
It is known that Christian churches were attacked in Zinder in Niger and that at least four people have been killed. Sadly, nobody is shocked anymore – indeed, the only shocking reality is that Western leaders will keep up with their apologist statements.
The BBC reports: “Twelve people were killed in the attack, carried out by two French Muslims angry over earlier depictions of Muhammad in the magazine…Protests against the magazine were also seen on Friday in Pakistan, where protests turned violent in Karachi, the Sudanese capital of Khartoum and the Algerian capital, Algiers.”
Therefore, in the land of Algeria where vast numbers have been slaughtered by Islamists and in Sudan where over two million mainly African Christians and Animists were killed – and where non-Muslims were enslaved – it is clear that this didn’t upset the same people. Similarly, African black Muslims have been butchered in vast numbers in Sudan based on the deeds of Arabization because of the policies of various Khartoum regimes. Despite this reality, the same demonstrators worried about the depictions of Muhammed will have done nothing against decades of utter barbarity based on the deeds of several Khartoum regimes. In other words, mass murder and slavery of black Africans simply doesn’t measure up in Sudan but a cartoon and depictions are something else.
Turning back to Niger then attacking Christian churches and Christian shops is all part of the course. After all, Christians and other minorities like the Yazidis are being forced to flee from Iraq. Similarly, Takfiri Islamists hate all and sundry in Syria therefore the mass persecution of Alawite Muslims, Shia Muslims and Christians is ongoing. Likewise, in Somalia all converts to Christianity face being killed in barbaric ways by al-Shabaab and the same can be said in other parts of the mainly Muslim world.
Therefore, it appears that the same forces butchering and the same forces demonstrating are all doing so because they want to enforce their diktats on others, even if this means killing in the name of Allah.
tHe Pegida Farce
The political correct and staunch multi-culturists brigade are berating Pegida in Germany, just like others bemoan the National Front in France, and so forth. Yet it is Takfiri Sunni fanatics from Europe that are going to Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, in order to kill and butcher others. However, where are the political correct and staunch multi-culturists in the fight against Takfiri Sunni fanatics?
Political elites, media outlets and other sources of anti-German nationalism sprout their hatred towards Pegida openly. After all, they fear their agenda being challenged by indigenous people who feel alienated. It matters not who is correct, or who is wrong. More important, is that individuals who feel abandoned must have a right to reject the endless policies of deconstructing Europe based on opposing traditional norms.
Irrespective of what Pegida is, or isn’t; it is abundantly clear that in the land of Mecca and Medina that not one singly Christian church, Buddhist temple or Hindu temple is allowed. At the same time, while the trendy left, multi-culturists and political correct brigade rebuke organizations like Pegida in Germany and the National Front in France, the endless de-Christianization and de-Shianization is continuing at an alarming rate.
If al-Nusrah, ISIS (IS – Islamic State) and other Takfiri groups get their way in Iraq and Syria, and in other societies, then the Shia would be taken to the sword, Christians would face dhimmitude and massacres – and other minorities like the Yazidis would face annihilation. Indeed, the Alawites in Syria face being forced into the sea if al-Nusrah and ISIS – and other fanatical Takfiri terrorist groups – defeat the secular government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Individuals who support Pegida in Germany, the National Front in France, and so forth, all fully understand that the Middle East and North Africa – and other parts of the world – face the endless onslaught of anti-Christian and anti-Shia hatred. Indeed, Takfiri sectarians also seek to crush indigenous Sunni Islam therefore daily beheadings, terrorism, pogroms and so forth is a daily reality because of the utter barbarity of Takfiri sectarians. Give this reality, then it is understandable why many fear radical Sunni Takfiri Islamization both externally and internally.
If multi-culturists and the political correct brigade continue with their endless witch-hunts against their own cultural norms and against individuals that fear their contradictory folly – while doing zilch against the endless pogroms of Christians and Shia Muslims alike – then they are clearly playing into the hands of their future enemies who care zilch about liberalism. More important, if individuals keep on seeing the barbarity of Boko Haram, ISIS, al-Nusrah and others like the al-Shabaab – alongside institutional state anti-Christian hatred in nations like Saudi Arabia – then surely the growth of Pegida is based on the utter barbarity that continues in many parts of the world. This is based on either Takfiri sectarian hatred or state sanctioned Islamic Sharia law that supports institutional apartheid in nations like Saudi Arabia.
The current reality is that many parts of Europe are changing quickly based on ethnic and religious factors because of the whims of political elites who have the system stitched up. At the same time, many parts of the so-called Islamic world are emptying their nations of Christians, while others continue with their anti-Shia Muslim agenda. If this current reality continues then the destruction of many different cultures and faiths will continue unabashed and it will be tolerated in the political correct world externally.
After all, the cleansing of Christians is continuing in Iraq, just like al-Shabaab continues with its year zero Islamist inquisition against all converts to Christianity in Somalia. Meanwhile, Europe will continue to become an ethnic and religious melting pot at an increasingly growing rate. Given this reality, then irrespective if the political correct brigade, or groups like Pegida are correct; the current reality means that the Middle East and other areas will continue with their de-Christianization realities and anti-Shia pogroms. Therefore, the civilizational war is clearly favoring Sunni Takfiri Islamization because one side can slaughter at random and enforce apartheid Islamic Sharia laws externally – while the other side faces the onslaught of the political correct brigade based on the manipulation of language. Given this reality, then where is the real threat to religious diversity?
Political elites, media outlets and other sources of anti-German nationalism sprout their hatred towards Pegida openly. After all, they fear their agenda being challenged by indigenous people who feel alienated. It matters not who is correct, or who is wrong. More important, is that individuals who feel abandoned must have a right to reject the endless policies of deconstructing Europe based on opposing traditional norms.
Irrespective of what Pegida is, or isn’t; it is abundantly clear that in the land of Mecca and Medina that not one singly Christian church, Buddhist temple or Hindu temple is allowed. At the same time, while the trendy left, multi-culturists and political correct brigade rebuke organizations like Pegida in Germany and the National Front in France, the endless de-Christianization and de-Shianization is continuing at an alarming rate.
If al-Nusrah, ISIS (IS – Islamic State) and other Takfiri groups get their way in Iraq and Syria, and in other societies, then the Shia would be taken to the sword, Christians would face dhimmitude and massacres – and other minorities like the Yazidis would face annihilation. Indeed, the Alawites in Syria face being forced into the sea if al-Nusrah and ISIS – and other fanatical Takfiri terrorist groups – defeat the secular government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Individuals who support Pegida in Germany, the National Front in France, and so forth, all fully understand that the Middle East and North Africa – and other parts of the world – face the endless onslaught of anti-Christian and anti-Shia hatred. Indeed, Takfiri sectarians also seek to crush indigenous Sunni Islam therefore daily beheadings, terrorism, pogroms and so forth is a daily reality because of the utter barbarity of Takfiri sectarians. Give this reality, then it is understandable why many fear radical Sunni Takfiri Islamization both externally and internally.
If multi-culturists and the political correct brigade continue with their endless witch-hunts against their own cultural norms and against individuals that fear their contradictory folly – while doing zilch against the endless pogroms of Christians and Shia Muslims alike – then they are clearly playing into the hands of their future enemies who care zilch about liberalism. More important, if individuals keep on seeing the barbarity of Boko Haram, ISIS, al-Nusrah and others like the al-Shabaab – alongside institutional state anti-Christian hatred in nations like Saudi Arabia – then surely the growth of Pegida is based on the utter barbarity that continues in many parts of the world. This is based on either Takfiri sectarian hatred or state sanctioned Islamic Sharia law that supports institutional apartheid in nations like Saudi Arabia.
The current reality is that many parts of Europe are changing quickly based on ethnic and religious factors because of the whims of political elites who have the system stitched up. At the same time, many parts of the so-called Islamic world are emptying their nations of Christians, while others continue with their anti-Shia Muslim agenda. If this current reality continues then the destruction of many different cultures and faiths will continue unabashed and it will be tolerated in the political correct world externally.
After all, the cleansing of Christians is continuing in Iraq, just like al-Shabaab continues with its year zero Islamist inquisition against all converts to Christianity in Somalia. Meanwhile, Europe will continue to become an ethnic and religious melting pot at an increasingly growing rate. Given this reality, then irrespective if the political correct brigade, or groups like Pegida are correct; the current reality means that the Middle East and other areas will continue with their de-Christianization realities and anti-Shia pogroms. Therefore, the civilizational war is clearly favoring Sunni Takfiri Islamization because one side can slaughter at random and enforce apartheid Islamic Sharia laws externally – while the other side faces the onslaught of the political correct brigade based on the manipulation of language. Given this reality, then where is the real threat to religious diversity?
BPCA Aids Victims of Brutal Attacks
Pakistan: January 24, 2015. (By Mehwish Bhatti) The physical shell is almost complete which looks solid and fit for purpose. The builders inform me that the building is strong enough to withstand local flood and other potential weather concerns, due to it's solid foundation. Moreover it will add a buffer and some support to the existing less stable mud house the family reside within. A solid foundation was laid and the whole entire internal building has been lined with concrete. The door is solid wood and is big enough for wheelchair access should it ever be required and the piping has has all been inserted.
What remains now is the boring and installation of a pump that connects to a watercourse, the work has begun and we hope that the facility will be in use by the end of this week.
The construction now means the family will no longer have to use the local forest as a toilet and are able to protect themselves from illness and disease, through a cleaner lifestyle. Moreover the girls in the family will no longer be prey to sexual predators in the community.
Farzana the younger sister (14 years), said; "Although I will never forget the brutal treatment at the hands of the local boys, I feel safer now that we have our own bathroom. I thank God for the help Christians in Britain have given me."
Father of the two sisters Ilyas Masih, said; "Support from people in Britain has strengthened our faith and resolve. We have been receiving threats from local Muslim's warning us to drop the charges of rape. We know God is behind us now and will pursue justice, not only for my girls but every vulnerable Christian girl that has been raped and those being targeted."
British Pakistani Christians Association BPCA is now collecting towards a further larger scale installation that will provide showers, toilets and baby changing facilities for the whole community. We believe the facility will reduce the significant health concerns around the spread of disease and will lengthen the short life expectancy of 54years, within the area of Jaranwala. Our project will cost around £15,000 and we have already consulted with the local community of which 100% have expressed favour for our project. Local hospitals and the municipal council have also been approached and both support the project. It is hoped that by providing this facility for the use of all locals irrespective of their faith, we are able to foster better relations between the Muslim and Christian communities living in the area.
What remains now is the boring and installation of a pump that connects to a watercourse, the work has begun and we hope that the facility will be in use by the end of this week.
The construction now means the family will no longer have to use the local forest as a toilet and are able to protect themselves from illness and disease, through a cleaner lifestyle. Moreover the girls in the family will no longer be prey to sexual predators in the community.
Farzana the younger sister (14 years), said; "Although I will never forget the brutal treatment at the hands of the local boys, I feel safer now that we have our own bathroom. I thank God for the help Christians in Britain have given me."
Father of the two sisters Ilyas Masih, said; "Support from people in Britain has strengthened our faith and resolve. We have been receiving threats from local Muslim's warning us to drop the charges of rape. We know God is behind us now and will pursue justice, not only for my girls but every vulnerable Christian girl that has been raped and those being targeted."
British Pakistani Christians Association BPCA is now collecting towards a further larger scale installation that will provide showers, toilets and baby changing facilities for the whole community. We believe the facility will reduce the significant health concerns around the spread of disease and will lengthen the short life expectancy of 54years, within the area of Jaranwala. Our project will cost around £15,000 and we have already consulted with the local community of which 100% have expressed favour for our project. Local hospitals and the municipal council have also been approached and both support the project. It is hoped that by providing this facility for the use of all locals irrespective of their faith, we are able to foster better relations between the Muslim and Christian communities living in the area.
Unity Octave Prayer--Lahore
Lahore: January 26, 2015. (Fr. Inayat Bernard) January 18,2015: “From 1908 till date the church is celebrating the unity Octave from 18th January to 25th January every year”. Archbishop Sebastian Francis Shaw OFM of Lahore was talking to the gathering of fathers, sisters, catechists, seminarians and the faithful gathered at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral. In an augural prayer service, Archbishop said in his presidential address that the present society is being intolerant, angry and going towards hatred against one another. In this situation our presence will bring peace and respect amongst us. He said that each human being is precious in the hands of God and when we realize that I am precious and others are precious too, then I will respect them because each one is made in the image of God. He said that we have to be united to fight against the powers of evil and become the heralds of peace and this way we shall be called sons of God.
He ended by saying that to be real follower of Jesus, I need to become the promoter of peace and unity so that through me the society and the world will become a place to live in a peaceful world. He appreciated the efforts of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee and the Council for interfaith Dialogue for their efforts to promote unity among Christian denominations.
Church of Pakistan Irfan Jamil, Bishop of Lahore said that we live in a world of uncertainty sand hopelessness. But we are people of God who gives us hope in our life. The church unity is not only to have meetings and prayer services but to see things actually happening in a united way. We are different parts of the same body of Christ and he is our head. We may be different in our administration but we are followers of the same Lord Jesus Christ who is our binding force.
Bishop Irfam Jamil continued that by such programs we shall come close to each other and each ones’ way of life and practices of faith which will help us to grow in our unity and that will begin peace of heart and mind for the church leaders and the faithful. He wished that the unity will go on during this year as well.
In his homily Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, the vicar general of the church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind said that the initiative of Jesus Christ to ask water from the Samarian woman is an example for us to go outside our church structures and make efforts to come close to each other. He said that we need to open the doors and windows of our hearts to have the courage to listen to one another and then grow the sense of encouragement and appreciation of the other churches. He said the apostles were astonished to see Jesus and it became for them an example that the good news is to be preached to the non Jews as well. He said that in the last three years we have become close to each 4 mainline churches and we recognize the voice on phone and meet often which has helped us to appreciate one another.
He ended by saying that in our day today life we need to invite one another to our churches to listen and benefit from the talents each one of us has.
On behalf of the coordinator Fr. Francis Nadem OFM Cap, introduction of the program was given by Fr. Inayat Bernard, Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary who said that “Today we are gathered here at the invitation of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee and Council for interfaith dialogue to participate in an inaugural prayer service during international unity Octave.
It was October 2012 that some of the representatives of the 4 main line churches met to organize unity week 2013. The unity Octave was going on regularly in the past years but it was stopped for some years. So we re-organized it and have had two unity Octaves in 2013, 2014 and now is the third unity week.
During the year we organize Alleluia Conference on the 2nd Saturday after Easter Sunday. The first of its kind was organized at St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. in 2013 and the second one was at the Cathedral of the Resurrection in 2014 and this year’s alleluia conference will be at the Salvation Army headquarters.
Besides that we agreed to fix the date 14th December for Ecumenical Christmas Carol .The first program was at the Praying hand cathedral Waris Road in 2012, the second was at St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. in 2013 and last year 2014 was at the Salvation Army headquarters.
The topic for this years’ weekly celebration is based on the chapter 4 of the Gospel of Jesus according to St. John. Jesus Christ goes beyond his Jewish barriers and talks to a Samaritan and a women. By this he shows that the salvation is not only for the Jews but for all humankind. He asks to give me a drink.
The message of Jesus is for all nations of the world and in our day today life we go beyond our religious barriers and include everyone in the plan of salvation for God loved the world so much that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life”.
The first reading from Isaiah 52:7-10 was read by Presbyterian pastor Rev. Amjad Niamat while the Gospel was ready by Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap from the Gospel of John 4:7-14. Salvation Army Major Saleem Yousaf said an inaugural prayer. The prayers of the faithful were read by Peter Percy (Church of Pakistan diocese of Lahore), Major Amjad of the Salvation Army, Francis Saudagar of the Presbyterian Church in Pakistan, Mrs. Shakila Emmanuel of the church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind and Sr. Abida of the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of Lahore.The choir of St. Mary’s Seminary sang hymns and psalms under the guidance of Sr. Rukhsana Murad O.P.
Church of Pakistan Pastor I. B. Rocky read out the weekly program to be held at different churches of the 4 mainline denominations and invited the faithful to participate in all united prayer services.
Shahid Meraj the dean of the Church of Pakistan diocese of Lahore of Cathedral of the Resurrection introduced the members of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee. They are Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap (ESC coordinator) and other members are Rev. Shahid Meraj, Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Fr. Francis Sabir OFM Cap, Rev. Amjad Niamt, Lt. Col Washington Daniel, Fr. Henry Paul OFM Cap, Fr. Inayat Bernard, Rev. Saleem Khokhar, Pastor I.B. Rocky, Fr. Samson Dilawar and Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap. He also thanked the Church heads and the audience.
Fr. Joseph Shahzad , Rector of the Sacred Heart Cathedral thanked all who participated in the unity service. He made a special mention to the three guests who participated from the Anglican Church from the diocese of Manchester. They were Canon Phil Rowling, Mr.Michael Chesterton and Rev. Dave Henson.
He ended by saying that to be real follower of Jesus, I need to become the promoter of peace and unity so that through me the society and the world will become a place to live in a peaceful world. He appreciated the efforts of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee and the Council for interfaith Dialogue for their efforts to promote unity among Christian denominations.
Church of Pakistan Irfan Jamil, Bishop of Lahore said that we live in a world of uncertainty sand hopelessness. But we are people of God who gives us hope in our life. The church unity is not only to have meetings and prayer services but to see things actually happening in a united way. We are different parts of the same body of Christ and he is our head. We may be different in our administration but we are followers of the same Lord Jesus Christ who is our binding force.
Bishop Irfam Jamil continued that by such programs we shall come close to each other and each ones’ way of life and practices of faith which will help us to grow in our unity and that will begin peace of heart and mind for the church leaders and the faithful. He wished that the unity will go on during this year as well.
In his homily Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, the vicar general of the church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind said that the initiative of Jesus Christ to ask water from the Samarian woman is an example for us to go outside our church structures and make efforts to come close to each other. He said that we need to open the doors and windows of our hearts to have the courage to listen to one another and then grow the sense of encouragement and appreciation of the other churches. He said the apostles were astonished to see Jesus and it became for them an example that the good news is to be preached to the non Jews as well. He said that in the last three years we have become close to each 4 mainline churches and we recognize the voice on phone and meet often which has helped us to appreciate one another.
He ended by saying that in our day today life we need to invite one another to our churches to listen and benefit from the talents each one of us has.
On behalf of the coordinator Fr. Francis Nadem OFM Cap, introduction of the program was given by Fr. Inayat Bernard, Rector of St. Mary’s Seminary who said that “Today we are gathered here at the invitation of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee and Council for interfaith dialogue to participate in an inaugural prayer service during international unity Octave.
It was October 2012 that some of the representatives of the 4 main line churches met to organize unity week 2013. The unity Octave was going on regularly in the past years but it was stopped for some years. So we re-organized it and have had two unity Octaves in 2013, 2014 and now is the third unity week.
During the year we organize Alleluia Conference on the 2nd Saturday after Easter Sunday. The first of its kind was organized at St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. in 2013 and the second one was at the Cathedral of the Resurrection in 2014 and this year’s alleluia conference will be at the Salvation Army headquarters.
Besides that we agreed to fix the date 14th December for Ecumenical Christmas Carol .The first program was at the Praying hand cathedral Waris Road in 2012, the second was at St. Joseph Church Lahore Cantt. in 2013 and last year 2014 was at the Salvation Army headquarters.
The topic for this years’ weekly celebration is based on the chapter 4 of the Gospel of Jesus according to St. John. Jesus Christ goes beyond his Jewish barriers and talks to a Samaritan and a women. By this he shows that the salvation is not only for the Jews but for all humankind. He asks to give me a drink.
The message of Jesus is for all nations of the world and in our day today life we go beyond our religious barriers and include everyone in the plan of salvation for God loved the world so much that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life”.
The first reading from Isaiah 52:7-10 was read by Presbyterian pastor Rev. Amjad Niamat while the Gospel was ready by Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap from the Gospel of John 4:7-14. Salvation Army Major Saleem Yousaf said an inaugural prayer. The prayers of the faithful were read by Peter Percy (Church of Pakistan diocese of Lahore), Major Amjad of the Salvation Army, Francis Saudagar of the Presbyterian Church in Pakistan, Mrs. Shakila Emmanuel of the church of Pakistan diocese of Raiwind and Sr. Abida of the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of Lahore.The choir of St. Mary’s Seminary sang hymns and psalms under the guidance of Sr. Rukhsana Murad O.P.
Church of Pakistan Pastor I. B. Rocky read out the weekly program to be held at different churches of the 4 mainline denominations and invited the faithful to participate in all united prayer services.
Shahid Meraj the dean of the Church of Pakistan diocese of Lahore of Cathedral of the Resurrection introduced the members of the Ecumenical Solidarity Committee. They are Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap (ESC coordinator) and other members are Rev. Shahid Meraj, Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Fr. Francis Sabir OFM Cap, Rev. Amjad Niamt, Lt. Col Washington Daniel, Fr. Henry Paul OFM Cap, Fr. Inayat Bernard, Rev. Saleem Khokhar, Pastor I.B. Rocky, Fr. Samson Dilawar and Fr. William Basharat OFM Cap. He also thanked the Church heads and the audience.
Fr. Joseph Shahzad , Rector of the Sacred Heart Cathedral thanked all who participated in the unity service. He made a special mention to the three guests who participated from the Anglican Church from the diocese of Manchester. They were Canon Phil Rowling, Mr.Michael Chesterton and Rev. Dave Henson.
Amazing Interview
After formal greeting and welcome, I introduced myself as Parvez Iqbal, President, Pakistan Christian Congress Holland Chapter and recording this interview for Pakistan Christian Post (an on line newspaper by PCC). Introducing PCP, briefly informed that for more than three decades, Pakistan Christian Congress is the largest non-government organization in Pakistan struggling and raising voice for Christians in Pakistan as well as Pakistani Christians around the globe for their basic rights, protection and safety of their lives, honor and properties on all forums to bring them to peaceful and protected life with all basic needs and rights.
I also informed them, Mr. Sylvester Nadeem, in December 2013 contacted me through our Head Office and requested to help as much as possible to explain his problem with regard to his asylum procedure in Holland. I explained Mr. S. Nadeem that indeed PCC will stand with him but not very fast and blindly. As per our policy, we need some clarification and facts to know the real situation and truths of the problem and after having everything clear and satisfactory, we raise our voice as much as we can and to struggle for his legal rights of protection and respectful life ahead.
I travelled down to Pakistan to attend PCC Youth Conference in Lahore and planned to visit them to know more facts and realities about problems of this family and to bring them to the competent authorities for all possible support as per rules and provisions of the country. I also showed my hope that Mrs. S, Nadeem will tell us the real picture and facts of the incident that lead the family to get apart, face hardships for daily life and ask protection for future ahead.
PCP: Mrs. S. Nadeem please first introduce briefly yourself and your family
Mrs. S. Nadeem: My name is Mrs. Sofia Nadeem wife of Sylvester Nadeem married 25 years ago living in Karachi Pakistan and having two sons, youngest Steve Adnan is with me. My elder sons Stallone Zeeshan is not at home because He is most of the time stay far from home by living and rotating from family to family because of his own safety and protection.
PCP: Why the same situation is not with younger son?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: Because my elder son is known by face by the Maluvis and Muslim peoples of the area and also after his father’s escape, he was responsible to take care of all our daily life need; Muslims extremists often search him to catch. Therefore we decided to keep him rotating and stay away from home to keep him safe from evil eyes and actions of Muslim peoples of the area. About my younger son, I asked him to change his outlook and stay at home most of the time. But I cant keep him as house arrest, sometimes he goes out for routine shopping etc but with extra alert and care.
PCP: Now please narrate briefly the problem you and your family are facing.
Mrs. S, Nadeem: After our marriage we were having a stabled happy life. God has blessed us with two sons, My Husband Sylvester Nadeem and I were having respectable job with enough earning to raise up our children and spend God fearing life happily. My Husband was active in Community services and church activities. He had very good reputation in the community and became pastor now about seven years. He was with the outreach ministry of the church, there once he meet a Muslim young boy who became in continuous contacts of my husband and was very keen to know about Christianity and teachings of Lord Jesus. He asked for Bible, which my husband provided him. He was so convinced and decided to accept Lord Jesus as his savior and became Christian through my husband. My husband brought him to the church where Bishop Khadim Bhutto of our church Baptized him in presence of few members of our church. Thereafter actual problem was started for our family. Family of the boy, Maluvis and Muslims community became very angry to my husband and after filing a false case in local police station against my husband under Blasphemy Laws started grave threatening time to time. My husband discussed with church members and Bishop Khadim Bhutto advised him to remain out of the scene by hiding himself. Knowing the situation and experiences with Christians in this same situation, our church administration decided to arrange my husband escape from the homeland as a try to add few more years in his life. Luckily my husband managed his escape with help of family, friends and Church members.
PCP: For how long your husband is away from home and how is your family situation?
Reply: Mrs. S. Nadeem, This is third year of his escape, since he was the head of our family and in our society he was responsible to take care of us but after his escape as a women I am facing troubles both by the society as well as local police. They often disturb us to search my husband and create problems for us, therefore we move time to time to our relatives to hide ourselves, but knowing our situation our relatives are avoiding to give us shelter and stand in help to keep them out of danger. Than we don’t see any other option but to turn back to our own home with all risks of life and grave threats.
PCP: why don’t you approach to higher police authorities to ask protection and help?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: I personally have never approached to any higher officer, but when my husband was here, he tried to get help, but Deputy Superintendent of Police of the area, refused and advised to report to the police station as proper channel and SHO of the Police station was himself searching my husband to put him behind the bars for false allegation under blasphemy laws. Not only once but several time together with Muslim peoples, police officers raid our home to catch my husband and harm us to tell whereabouts of my husband otherwise we should be ready for dangerous actions from them. After we escape for few weeks and when feel the situation is little calm, we turn back to home. Only life has changed like a football during the match, kicked by the many players at a time.
PCP: How about your church now and Bishop?? Are they still helping you?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As earlier said, In the beginning our church member were so kind they stood in all situation even helped and managed escape of my husband outside the country. After my husband, the Muslim peoples started threatening the Bishop Khadim Bhutto for he baptized the Muslim boy. First Bishop Khadim Bhutto hides himself to save him but on increase of danger to him, he has also escaped from the country with the same situation leaving behind his family. So two families are destroyed for one Baptism of Muslim Boy. Now our church has stopped us to enter in the church even for Sunday services and all other activities. So I can say openly that in trouble times, no one stand to support, neither the relatives nor the church family, Law enforcement agencies and our Society.
PCP: Did you faced any problem, before this incident of Muslim Boy?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: No, I already said that life was smooth and our home was a model of happiness.
PCP: How many other peoples were motivated by your husband and were baptized?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: This Muslim boy was the first and last who was motivated by my husband and baptized. His first Conversion leads him to escape and leave us behind in troubles all over.
PCP: How often your husband discussed this problem with you and children?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As we lives in a male dominated society, men never discuss things at home and with wives. In the beginning of this problem my husband did not shared with us but kept silent and we noticed his worries, but when the trouble increased he explained to us.
PCP: You have shown me a document Fatwaa (Decree) issued against your husband by the Muslim peoples, how you knew about this and how you got it?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As I said my younger son goes outside, once he saw this speeded and pasted in surrounding area. He informed me and I discussed this with my husband. My husband asked to get one or two copies of this Fatwaa (Decree). I asked my son to take out from some of the wall with all care. He some time during the dark took this out from one of the wall.
PCP: What will be outcome of this Fatwaa (Decree) you think?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: In this Fatwaa (Decree) they have clearly mentioned that my Husband is liable to be killed for violation of Blasphemy Laws. And one who will do this as Jihad will be treated as True Muslim and get special favor of God. So if any one of them sees my husband, he will kill my husband as per the motivation of this Fatwaa (Decree)
PCP: You have also shown me a letter of Rev. Shafique, is he one helping you in this situation?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: After escape of Bishop Khadim Bhutto and closing the doors of our church for me and my children, I approached Rev. Shafique and asked him for help. He told me clearly the with regard to issuance of this letter is ok but he cannot help openly because of his own safety and dangers.
PCP : After hearing all you said, in my opinion, your husband did not had much experience of handling such issues and lack of due knowledge put himself and you with your children in this critical situation of life threats. What are your views on my opinion?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: On some points you are right; indeed he was active and keen to do as much as he can to full fill his responsibilities as Pastor. But he was not aware of this situation. He and we did expected that as a result of one conversion, so many enemies will raise up to kill my husband and destroy us. He was sincere with his religion and his innocence leads him to this situation.
PCP: Do you know what happened to the boy converted as Christian by your husband?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As I know, he was also succeeded to escape and his whereabouts are not known to us. Honestly we never tried to know more about him as enough damage was made to us due this Muslim boy.
PCP: What you expect from Pakistan Christian Congress, after this interview?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: I am not sure how much Pakistan Christian Congress can help us but as I know through you peoples our voice will be spreaded to the concerned authorities, Human Right Organizations, and United Nations to know them how the Christian families are suffering after head of the family managed his escape to save his life. Up till now few and only the key victims of Blasphemy Laws against Christians in Pakistan have been highlighted, but nobody considers or even think about the family left behind as co-victims. No one even like to listen, how as woman, I am taking care of my two sons and my self for life, honor and daily life needs. In these years, I have experienced that not only the Law enforcement agencies and our society has become against us to suck our blood on standing and shining daylights but also our family members and church peoples has turned their faces and left us in troubles. (Mrs. S. Nadeem lost her emotions and started to wipe up her tears with her Shawl) controlling herself she continued, Its ok life must moves on, we keep struggling un till we breath.
PCP: Sorry I did not meant to scratch your wounds, but in the end of this would you like to add something?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: Brother, I am happy still someone from Pakistan Christian Congress, felt our pain and stepped forward to listen our troubles. Otherwise every one enjoy with our situation, treat us as animals and think whatever they want can do to us including hanging till stoppage of our heartbeats. I am thankful to you for long distance travelling and spearing time to listen us as neglected and helpless citizens of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Through this I would like to appeal to readers and competent relevant authorities to please consider us as human beings and respectful part of the society on this earth all over. We are labeled here as agents of White peoples and Jews, but when we approach for life safety outside our homeland, we face same neglected attitude that really destroy and damages our souls too. My Appeal is together and united with my husband and children Please Give us ONLY life and its safety. We'll struggle and work hard for our life needs and never be a burden on any one or on any Government but we contribute to uplift the status and development of country of our residence with abiding of all rules and regulations. Thank You.
After completion of this interview, I also meet Rev. Shafique in his Church to confirm the contents of this interview narrated by Mrs. S. Nadeem. Rev. Shafique had confirmed the happenings with this family are genuine and said instead he and his church want to help them in any way, but due to their own life risks and dangers, they cannot say anything openly or re-act publically and they are praying for them regularly that Lord may open doors for their re-unification and success in life.
During and after this Interview, I have taken some photographs with this family and Rev. Shafique, but keeping in mind their protection and safety, cannot publish for public views. Some other relevant information are taken out for the same reason.
I also informed them, Mr. Sylvester Nadeem, in December 2013 contacted me through our Head Office and requested to help as much as possible to explain his problem with regard to his asylum procedure in Holland. I explained Mr. S. Nadeem that indeed PCC will stand with him but not very fast and blindly. As per our policy, we need some clarification and facts to know the real situation and truths of the problem and after having everything clear and satisfactory, we raise our voice as much as we can and to struggle for his legal rights of protection and respectful life ahead.
I travelled down to Pakistan to attend PCC Youth Conference in Lahore and planned to visit them to know more facts and realities about problems of this family and to bring them to the competent authorities for all possible support as per rules and provisions of the country. I also showed my hope that Mrs. S, Nadeem will tell us the real picture and facts of the incident that lead the family to get apart, face hardships for daily life and ask protection for future ahead.
PCP: Mrs. S. Nadeem please first introduce briefly yourself and your family
Mrs. S. Nadeem: My name is Mrs. Sofia Nadeem wife of Sylvester Nadeem married 25 years ago living in Karachi Pakistan and having two sons, youngest Steve Adnan is with me. My elder sons Stallone Zeeshan is not at home because He is most of the time stay far from home by living and rotating from family to family because of his own safety and protection.
PCP: Why the same situation is not with younger son?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: Because my elder son is known by face by the Maluvis and Muslim peoples of the area and also after his father’s escape, he was responsible to take care of all our daily life need; Muslims extremists often search him to catch. Therefore we decided to keep him rotating and stay away from home to keep him safe from evil eyes and actions of Muslim peoples of the area. About my younger son, I asked him to change his outlook and stay at home most of the time. But I cant keep him as house arrest, sometimes he goes out for routine shopping etc but with extra alert and care.
PCP: Now please narrate briefly the problem you and your family are facing.
Mrs. S, Nadeem: After our marriage we were having a stabled happy life. God has blessed us with two sons, My Husband Sylvester Nadeem and I were having respectable job with enough earning to raise up our children and spend God fearing life happily. My Husband was active in Community services and church activities. He had very good reputation in the community and became pastor now about seven years. He was with the outreach ministry of the church, there once he meet a Muslim young boy who became in continuous contacts of my husband and was very keen to know about Christianity and teachings of Lord Jesus. He asked for Bible, which my husband provided him. He was so convinced and decided to accept Lord Jesus as his savior and became Christian through my husband. My husband brought him to the church where Bishop Khadim Bhutto of our church Baptized him in presence of few members of our church. Thereafter actual problem was started for our family. Family of the boy, Maluvis and Muslims community became very angry to my husband and after filing a false case in local police station against my husband under Blasphemy Laws started grave threatening time to time. My husband discussed with church members and Bishop Khadim Bhutto advised him to remain out of the scene by hiding himself. Knowing the situation and experiences with Christians in this same situation, our church administration decided to arrange my husband escape from the homeland as a try to add few more years in his life. Luckily my husband managed his escape with help of family, friends and Church members.
PCP: For how long your husband is away from home and how is your family situation?
Reply: Mrs. S. Nadeem, This is third year of his escape, since he was the head of our family and in our society he was responsible to take care of us but after his escape as a women I am facing troubles both by the society as well as local police. They often disturb us to search my husband and create problems for us, therefore we move time to time to our relatives to hide ourselves, but knowing our situation our relatives are avoiding to give us shelter and stand in help to keep them out of danger. Than we don’t see any other option but to turn back to our own home with all risks of life and grave threats.
PCP: why don’t you approach to higher police authorities to ask protection and help?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: I personally have never approached to any higher officer, but when my husband was here, he tried to get help, but Deputy Superintendent of Police of the area, refused and advised to report to the police station as proper channel and SHO of the Police station was himself searching my husband to put him behind the bars for false allegation under blasphemy laws. Not only once but several time together with Muslim peoples, police officers raid our home to catch my husband and harm us to tell whereabouts of my husband otherwise we should be ready for dangerous actions from them. After we escape for few weeks and when feel the situation is little calm, we turn back to home. Only life has changed like a football during the match, kicked by the many players at a time.
PCP: How about your church now and Bishop?? Are they still helping you?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As earlier said, In the beginning our church member were so kind they stood in all situation even helped and managed escape of my husband outside the country. After my husband, the Muslim peoples started threatening the Bishop Khadim Bhutto for he baptized the Muslim boy. First Bishop Khadim Bhutto hides himself to save him but on increase of danger to him, he has also escaped from the country with the same situation leaving behind his family. So two families are destroyed for one Baptism of Muslim Boy. Now our church has stopped us to enter in the church even for Sunday services and all other activities. So I can say openly that in trouble times, no one stand to support, neither the relatives nor the church family, Law enforcement agencies and our Society.
PCP: Did you faced any problem, before this incident of Muslim Boy?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: No, I already said that life was smooth and our home was a model of happiness.
PCP: How many other peoples were motivated by your husband and were baptized?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: This Muslim boy was the first and last who was motivated by my husband and baptized. His first Conversion leads him to escape and leave us behind in troubles all over.
PCP: How often your husband discussed this problem with you and children?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As we lives in a male dominated society, men never discuss things at home and with wives. In the beginning of this problem my husband did not shared with us but kept silent and we noticed his worries, but when the trouble increased he explained to us.
PCP: You have shown me a document Fatwaa (Decree) issued against your husband by the Muslim peoples, how you knew about this and how you got it?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As I said my younger son goes outside, once he saw this speeded and pasted in surrounding area. He informed me and I discussed this with my husband. My husband asked to get one or two copies of this Fatwaa (Decree). I asked my son to take out from some of the wall with all care. He some time during the dark took this out from one of the wall.
PCP: What will be outcome of this Fatwaa (Decree) you think?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: In this Fatwaa (Decree) they have clearly mentioned that my Husband is liable to be killed for violation of Blasphemy Laws. And one who will do this as Jihad will be treated as True Muslim and get special favor of God. So if any one of them sees my husband, he will kill my husband as per the motivation of this Fatwaa (Decree)
PCP: You have also shown me a letter of Rev. Shafique, is he one helping you in this situation?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: After escape of Bishop Khadim Bhutto and closing the doors of our church for me and my children, I approached Rev. Shafique and asked him for help. He told me clearly the with regard to issuance of this letter is ok but he cannot help openly because of his own safety and dangers.
PCP : After hearing all you said, in my opinion, your husband did not had much experience of handling such issues and lack of due knowledge put himself and you with your children in this critical situation of life threats. What are your views on my opinion?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: On some points you are right; indeed he was active and keen to do as much as he can to full fill his responsibilities as Pastor. But he was not aware of this situation. He and we did expected that as a result of one conversion, so many enemies will raise up to kill my husband and destroy us. He was sincere with his religion and his innocence leads him to this situation.
PCP: Do you know what happened to the boy converted as Christian by your husband?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: As I know, he was also succeeded to escape and his whereabouts are not known to us. Honestly we never tried to know more about him as enough damage was made to us due this Muslim boy.
PCP: What you expect from Pakistan Christian Congress, after this interview?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: I am not sure how much Pakistan Christian Congress can help us but as I know through you peoples our voice will be spreaded to the concerned authorities, Human Right Organizations, and United Nations to know them how the Christian families are suffering after head of the family managed his escape to save his life. Up till now few and only the key victims of Blasphemy Laws against Christians in Pakistan have been highlighted, but nobody considers or even think about the family left behind as co-victims. No one even like to listen, how as woman, I am taking care of my two sons and my self for life, honor and daily life needs. In these years, I have experienced that not only the Law enforcement agencies and our society has become against us to suck our blood on standing and shining daylights but also our family members and church peoples has turned their faces and left us in troubles. (Mrs. S. Nadeem lost her emotions and started to wipe up her tears with her Shawl) controlling herself she continued, Its ok life must moves on, we keep struggling un till we breath.
PCP: Sorry I did not meant to scratch your wounds, but in the end of this would you like to add something?
Mrs. S. Nadeem: Brother, I am happy still someone from Pakistan Christian Congress, felt our pain and stepped forward to listen our troubles. Otherwise every one enjoy with our situation, treat us as animals and think whatever they want can do to us including hanging till stoppage of our heartbeats. I am thankful to you for long distance travelling and spearing time to listen us as neglected and helpless citizens of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Through this I would like to appeal to readers and competent relevant authorities to please consider us as human beings and respectful part of the society on this earth all over. We are labeled here as agents of White peoples and Jews, but when we approach for life safety outside our homeland, we face same neglected attitude that really destroy and damages our souls too. My Appeal is together and united with my husband and children Please Give us ONLY life and its safety. We'll struggle and work hard for our life needs and never be a burden on any one or on any Government but we contribute to uplift the status and development of country of our residence with abiding of all rules and regulations. Thank You.
After completion of this interview, I also meet Rev. Shafique in his Church to confirm the contents of this interview narrated by Mrs. S. Nadeem. Rev. Shafique had confirmed the happenings with this family are genuine and said instead he and his church want to help them in any way, but due to their own life risks and dangers, they cannot say anything openly or re-act publically and they are praying for them regularly that Lord may open doors for their re-unification and success in life.
During and after this Interview, I have taken some photographs with this family and Rev. Shafique, but keeping in mind their protection and safety, cannot publish for public views. Some other relevant information are taken out for the same reason.
The Enslavement of Pakistani Christians
After 74 years of Pakistan Resolution or known as Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940, adopted by All India Muslim League, we, the millions of Pakistani Christians are treated like slaves in a state for which our forefathers played positive role during Pakistan Movement and stood shoulder to shoulder with Muslims to divide sub-continent of India and formation of Pakistan.
I am very confident that Christian generation after me, will call leaders of All India Christian League like SP Singha, RaliaRam and others to be traitors of Indian Christian Nation and tools of British Raj on supporting All India Muslim League in Pakistan Movement, to vote for formation of Pakistan in Round Table Conference in London from 1930-32, and before Boundary Commission to vote to fall Punjab in lot of Pakistan.
The next generation of Christians in Pakistan will very clearly and very loudly claim that formation of Pakistan was a conspiracy of British Raj to divide sub-continent of India on slogan of religion Islam carried out by Muslim-Christian tools to pave a way for existence of Israel in heartland of Muslim world in 1948; as there are only 2 states formed on religion grounds on globe: Pakistan and Israel; while both came in to being during British Raj; Then, there will be point of no return and Christian-Muslim will not be able to live together in Pakistan which became an independent state in 1947.
Let me produce here the part of speech of Mohammad Ali Jinnah which he delivered on March 22, 1940, in first session of All India Muslim League in Lahore, in which he built case of separate homeland for Muslims and division of sub-continent of India; “Hindus and the Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs and literature. They neither inter-marry nor inter-dine together, and, indeed, they belong to two different civilizations that are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their concepts on life and of life are different. It is quite clear that Hindus and Muslims derive their inspiration from different sources of history. They have different epics, different heroes and different episodes. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other, and likewise, their victories and defeats overlap. To yoke together two such nations under a single state, one as a numerical minority and the other as a majority, must lead to growing discontent and final destruction of any fabric that may be so built up for the government of such a state.” He further claimed, “Mussalmans are a nation according to any definition of a nationhood. We wish our people to develop to the fullest spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that we think best and in consonance with our own ideals and according to the genius of our people”.
The Religion and hate among Hindus-Muslim were grounds on which Mohammad Ali Jinnah presented two nation theory in his speech on March 22, 1940; what is situation of Christian in Pakistan? The Christianity and Islam are also two different religions and hate among two religions is at peak in Pakistan. The Muslim mobs are attacking Christian properties and their worship places in Pakistan; The Christian cannot dine even on roadside Muslims vendors; Muslim take it un-Islamic to eat foods prepared by Christians; If a Christian man marries a Muslim woman in Pakistan he is liable to death according to Islam but when a Muslim man kidnap a Christian woman and forcibly converts her to Islam then law of land protects that Muslim; The hero of Muslims in Pakistan is who murders a blasphemer Christian and no punishment for a Muslim who falsely implicates a Christian in a blasphemy case; The Christian Youth is deprived of his due right of employment and education; Moreover, the right to vote for their parliamentarians is snatched from Christians and leaders are imposed on them by selection of Muslims; It is same situation of Christians in Pakistan which Mohammad Ali Jinnah presented as argument in his March 22, 1940, speech in Lahore.
Now, come on, Pakistan Resolution or Lahore Resolution of All India Muslim League session; This resolution is on 3 paragraphs; Let us discuss last paragraph which carries true spirit to call it Pakistan Resolution; “Resolved that it is the considered view of this session of the All-India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in a majority, as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped to constitute ‘Independent States’ in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign. That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them; and in other parts of India where Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguard shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them”
Where are rights of religious minorities in light of paragraph 3 of Pakistan Resolution in constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan? Read again what promises were declared to religious minorities in this Resolution: “That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them;”
Did you gave representation to religious minorities in Islamic Ideology Council that they may present their religious reservations on marriage and divorce issue and protection of their worship places in Pakistan to secure religious freedom? Answer is very big NO;
Did you ever consulted religious minorities that what type of Election system they like? Answer is again very clear NO; When you wanted gave them right to elect their leaders in parliament and when you wanted then imposed Selection system on them to select members of religious minorities of your choice and imposed on them;
Are you protecting economic rights of religious minorities in Pakistan? Answer is again NO: You prefer Muslim youth in job opportunities and forced Christians to do jobs of sanitary workers which you are privatizing now and selling it to Turkey that Turks may keep them slaves like you did. Have you ever awarded business loans to Christians? Answer is NO; have you ever legislated to prohibit hate among religious communities that Christians may also eat in Muslim dinners and Muslim may dine at Christian vendors? Decades passed but you failed to legislate for religion harmony in Pakistan.
What representation you have given Christians and other religious minorities in Administration of Pakistan? Answer is again Zero; the religious minorities are not part of interior or foreign policy of Pakistan; The Muslim majority decides every policy of Pakistan and not wants to share it with religious communities;
Then, why you hope that religious minorities in Pakistan will accept to live like slaves in Pakistan when you have denied them due rights and due share in resources of Pakistan. This day of March 23, 2014, is enough to remind you, the Muslims of Pakistan, do act upon Pakistan Resolution of March 23, 1940, and give back rights to Christians which were promised in this resolution and 14 Point Doctrine of Mohammad Ali Jinnah before Christians may voice “We cannot live with Muslims of Pakistan as we have two different religions, different heroes, different culture and different ideologies”
I am very confident that Christian generation after me, will call leaders of All India Christian League like SP Singha, RaliaRam and others to be traitors of Indian Christian Nation and tools of British Raj on supporting All India Muslim League in Pakistan Movement, to vote for formation of Pakistan in Round Table Conference in London from 1930-32, and before Boundary Commission to vote to fall Punjab in lot of Pakistan.
The next generation of Christians in Pakistan will very clearly and very loudly claim that formation of Pakistan was a conspiracy of British Raj to divide sub-continent of India on slogan of religion Islam carried out by Muslim-Christian tools to pave a way for existence of Israel in heartland of Muslim world in 1948; as there are only 2 states formed on religion grounds on globe: Pakistan and Israel; while both came in to being during British Raj; Then, there will be point of no return and Christian-Muslim will not be able to live together in Pakistan which became an independent state in 1947.
Let me produce here the part of speech of Mohammad Ali Jinnah which he delivered on March 22, 1940, in first session of All India Muslim League in Lahore, in which he built case of separate homeland for Muslims and division of sub-continent of India; “Hindus and the Muslims belong to two different religious philosophies, social customs and literature. They neither inter-marry nor inter-dine together, and, indeed, they belong to two different civilizations that are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. Their concepts on life and of life are different. It is quite clear that Hindus and Muslims derive their inspiration from different sources of history. They have different epics, different heroes and different episodes. Very often the hero of one is a foe of the other, and likewise, their victories and defeats overlap. To yoke together two such nations under a single state, one as a numerical minority and the other as a majority, must lead to growing discontent and final destruction of any fabric that may be so built up for the government of such a state.” He further claimed, “Mussalmans are a nation according to any definition of a nationhood. We wish our people to develop to the fullest spiritual, cultural, economic, social and political life in a way that we think best and in consonance with our own ideals and according to the genius of our people”.
The Religion and hate among Hindus-Muslim were grounds on which Mohammad Ali Jinnah presented two nation theory in his speech on March 22, 1940; what is situation of Christian in Pakistan? The Christianity and Islam are also two different religions and hate among two religions is at peak in Pakistan. The Muslim mobs are attacking Christian properties and their worship places in Pakistan; The Christian cannot dine even on roadside Muslims vendors; Muslim take it un-Islamic to eat foods prepared by Christians; If a Christian man marries a Muslim woman in Pakistan he is liable to death according to Islam but when a Muslim man kidnap a Christian woman and forcibly converts her to Islam then law of land protects that Muslim; The hero of Muslims in Pakistan is who murders a blasphemer Christian and no punishment for a Muslim who falsely implicates a Christian in a blasphemy case; The Christian Youth is deprived of his due right of employment and education; Moreover, the right to vote for their parliamentarians is snatched from Christians and leaders are imposed on them by selection of Muslims; It is same situation of Christians in Pakistan which Mohammad Ali Jinnah presented as argument in his March 22, 1940, speech in Lahore.
Now, come on, Pakistan Resolution or Lahore Resolution of All India Muslim League session; This resolution is on 3 paragraphs; Let us discuss last paragraph which carries true spirit to call it Pakistan Resolution; “Resolved that it is the considered view of this session of the All-India Muslim League that no constitutional plan would be workable in this country or acceptable to Muslims unless it is designed on the following basic principle, namely, that geographically contiguous units are demarcated into regions which should be so constituted, with such territorial readjustments as may be necessary, that the areas in which the Muslims are numerically in a majority, as in the North-Western and Eastern Zones of India, should be grouped to constitute ‘Independent States’ in which the constituent units shall be autonomous and sovereign. That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them; and in other parts of India where Mussalmans are in a minority, adequate, effective and mandatory safeguard shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them”
Where are rights of religious minorities in light of paragraph 3 of Pakistan Resolution in constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan? Read again what promises were declared to religious minorities in this Resolution: “That adequate, effective and mandatory safeguards should be specifically provided in the constitution for minorities in these units and in these regions for the protection of their religious, cultural, economic, political, administrative and other rights and interests in consultation with them;”
Did you gave representation to religious minorities in Islamic Ideology Council that they may present their religious reservations on marriage and divorce issue and protection of their worship places in Pakistan to secure religious freedom? Answer is very big NO;
Did you ever consulted religious minorities that what type of Election system they like? Answer is again very clear NO; When you wanted gave them right to elect their leaders in parliament and when you wanted then imposed Selection system on them to select members of religious minorities of your choice and imposed on them;
Are you protecting economic rights of religious minorities in Pakistan? Answer is again NO: You prefer Muslim youth in job opportunities and forced Christians to do jobs of sanitary workers which you are privatizing now and selling it to Turkey that Turks may keep them slaves like you did. Have you ever awarded business loans to Christians? Answer is NO; have you ever legislated to prohibit hate among religious communities that Christians may also eat in Muslim dinners and Muslim may dine at Christian vendors? Decades passed but you failed to legislate for religion harmony in Pakistan.
What representation you have given Christians and other religious minorities in Administration of Pakistan? Answer is again Zero; the religious minorities are not part of interior or foreign policy of Pakistan; The Muslim majority decides every policy of Pakistan and not wants to share it with religious communities;
Then, why you hope that religious minorities in Pakistan will accept to live like slaves in Pakistan when you have denied them due rights and due share in resources of Pakistan. This day of March 23, 2014, is enough to remind you, the Muslims of Pakistan, do act upon Pakistan Resolution of March 23, 1940, and give back rights to Christians which were promised in this resolution and 14 Point Doctrine of Mohammad Ali Jinnah before Christians may voice “We cannot live with Muslims of Pakistan as we have two different religions, different heroes, different culture and different ideologies”
The Fate of Altaf Hussain
The British High Commission Karachi was temporarily shut down and all diplomatic staff flew back to UK, a night earlier before arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain in money laundering case in London on June 3, 2014. The investigations of money laundering case against Altaf Hussain was initiated when London Metropolitan Police recovered an undisclosed amount of cash from International Secretariat of Muthida Quomi Movement MQM during search operation to collect evidence in Dr. Imran Farooq murder case in 2013. The MQM Chief is under arrest of Scotland Yard Police and taken to police station from hospital to record his statement according to media reports of today but until courts not issue any judgment on this case, no one have right to comment on fate of Altaf Hussain.
It is very important to note that did British High Commission in Pakistan closed his one diplomatic wing situated in Karachi and shifted his staff without bringing in notice of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Government of Pakistan? It’s according to norms that if any diplomat of any country plans to travel from his assigned station to any other city of Pakistan, his Mission Office duly informs The Interior Ministry of Pakistan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of government of Pakistan a week earlier from his traveling date; Then how anyone can believe on statement of Information Minister of Pakistan Senator Pervez Rashid that news of arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain came in notice of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif when he was in meeting in Islamabad? Did Nawaz Sharif not enquired from British Prime Minister that why he is closing British High Commission office of Karachi? If Nawaz Sharif was not duly informed about closure, then who ordered Pakistan Rangers to deploy extra security forces to protect British High Commission Karachi?
On other hand, it is totally denial of facts when Pakistan Rangers beefs up security of vacant Deputy High Commission offices Karachi, a night earlier than news of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain arrest spreads in Pakistan; It is crystal clear fact that Scotland Yard Police had discussed arrest of Mr. Altaf Hussain with British Prime Minister David Cameron on which British Foreign Office took decision to shut down British High Commission Office in Karachi and it might be duly brought in notice of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif, PM Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz and Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali. On which Federal Government of Pakistan directed Pakistan Rangers and other Security Agencies in Sindh to further rise security level around British High Commission office at Karachi.
It seems mockery to Pakistani nation that Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif expresses his concerns on arrest of MQM Chief and orders Pakistani High Commission in London for Councilor access applications for Mr. Altaf Hussain; When, Mian Nawaz Sharif was fully aware that British High Commission Karachi diplomats are only leaving Pakistan that situation of law and order can arise in Karachi after arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain or may be all this was happening under an agreement of Pakistan and British Government.
I feel sympathy for leaders and workers of Muthida Quomi Movement MQM when they are forced to thank government of Pakistan on their support statement for MQM Chief Altaf Hussain because they are fully aware that who is involved in conspiracy to target their chief;
Why London Metropolitan Police waited for one year to arrest MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, if they had any strong evidence of money laundering against him? It’s very important that this question may be discussed if we want to surface facts that British and Pakistani governments conspired to crush Muthida Quomi Movement MQM with arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain’s!!!!
For reference, in 2013, when it was feared that London Police can take action in money laundering case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, I wrote a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron that investigation of Dr. Imran Farooq murder case and Money Laundering seem to be politically motivated to target MQM Chief which may damage struggle for poor and downtrodden communities in Pakistan as he is only representative of middle class and lower middle class. I received automated confirmation of my letter but no response was given as British claims from decades that its judicial system is independent and investigation institutions are free but I was sure that such behavior is not being conducted in this case.
The conspiracy theory in money laundering case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain cannot be ruled out because millions of dollars were funded to root out MQM from political scenario of Pakistan in national general elections of 2013 but conspirators failed to achieve their goal and MQM survived.
Now, It is up to government of Nawaz Sharif to clarify that he is not part of International conspiracy and why his government delayed to issue ID and Passport to Mr. Altaf Hussain? Was there any offer to MQM Chief to voluntarily leave United Kingdom by British Government to avoid any charges against him but conspirators had under the table agreement also that such Pakistani travelling documents shall never be issued?
Whatever, the situation may be; Altaf Hussain is true leader of 98% poor people of Pakistan and feudal lords, business tycoons, right wingers and extremists will be soon exposed and judged by 180 million citizens of Pakistan.
It is very important to note that did British High Commission in Pakistan closed his one diplomatic wing situated in Karachi and shifted his staff without bringing in notice of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Government of Pakistan? It’s according to norms that if any diplomat of any country plans to travel from his assigned station to any other city of Pakistan, his Mission Office duly informs The Interior Ministry of Pakistan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of government of Pakistan a week earlier from his traveling date; Then how anyone can believe on statement of Information Minister of Pakistan Senator Pervez Rashid that news of arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain came in notice of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif when he was in meeting in Islamabad? Did Nawaz Sharif not enquired from British Prime Minister that why he is closing British High Commission office of Karachi? If Nawaz Sharif was not duly informed about closure, then who ordered Pakistan Rangers to deploy extra security forces to protect British High Commission Karachi?
On other hand, it is totally denial of facts when Pakistan Rangers beefs up security of vacant Deputy High Commission offices Karachi, a night earlier than news of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain arrest spreads in Pakistan; It is crystal clear fact that Scotland Yard Police had discussed arrest of Mr. Altaf Hussain with British Prime Minister David Cameron on which British Foreign Office took decision to shut down British High Commission Office in Karachi and it might be duly brought in notice of Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif, PM Security Advisor Sartaj Aziz and Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali. On which Federal Government of Pakistan directed Pakistan Rangers and other Security Agencies in Sindh to further rise security level around British High Commission office at Karachi.
It seems mockery to Pakistani nation that Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif expresses his concerns on arrest of MQM Chief and orders Pakistani High Commission in London for Councilor access applications for Mr. Altaf Hussain; When, Mian Nawaz Sharif was fully aware that British High Commission Karachi diplomats are only leaving Pakistan that situation of law and order can arise in Karachi after arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain or may be all this was happening under an agreement of Pakistan and British Government.
I feel sympathy for leaders and workers of Muthida Quomi Movement MQM when they are forced to thank government of Pakistan on their support statement for MQM Chief Altaf Hussain because they are fully aware that who is involved in conspiracy to target their chief;
Why London Metropolitan Police waited for one year to arrest MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, if they had any strong evidence of money laundering against him? It’s very important that this question may be discussed if we want to surface facts that British and Pakistani governments conspired to crush Muthida Quomi Movement MQM with arrest of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain’s!!!!
For reference, in 2013, when it was feared that London Police can take action in money laundering case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain, I wrote a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron that investigation of Dr. Imran Farooq murder case and Money Laundering seem to be politically motivated to target MQM Chief which may damage struggle for poor and downtrodden communities in Pakistan as he is only representative of middle class and lower middle class. I received automated confirmation of my letter but no response was given as British claims from decades that its judicial system is independent and investigation institutions are free but I was sure that such behavior is not being conducted in this case.
The conspiracy theory in money laundering case against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain cannot be ruled out because millions of dollars were funded to root out MQM from political scenario of Pakistan in national general elections of 2013 but conspirators failed to achieve their goal and MQM survived.
Now, It is up to government of Nawaz Sharif to clarify that he is not part of International conspiracy and why his government delayed to issue ID and Passport to Mr. Altaf Hussain? Was there any offer to MQM Chief to voluntarily leave United Kingdom by British Government to avoid any charges against him but conspirators had under the table agreement also that such Pakistani travelling documents shall never be issued?
Whatever, the situation may be; Altaf Hussain is true leader of 98% poor people of Pakistan and feudal lords, business tycoons, right wingers and extremists will be soon exposed and judged by 180 million citizens of Pakistan.
Homes of Pk Christians Destryed
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Thirteen Pakistani Christian families are now without their homes after local government officials demolished their homes when they refused to become bonded labourers in the local brick kiln factory.
The local government swooped in on the homes of the Christians in Samundri, Punjab province, in early December last year.
According to Barnabas Fund, the government officials were allegedly under pressure from the Muslim owners of the brick kiln factory where the Pakistani Christians were working. The brick kiln factory owners claimed that they are going to build a new hospital in the vacated space.
Bonded labour is a practice in Pakistan where the family or the person with a debt bonds himself or herself to the person, family or business that they owed money to, in order to pay off the debt through labour. Under this practice, the death of the debtor in question does not pay off the debt. Instead, the entire family will shoulder the debt and provide additional labour in order to settle the account, usually for several generations.
The debt is usually incurred when the person needs to borrow an immense amount of money. This in turn happens when there is a serious financial crisis in the family.
The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement stated that brick kiln workers comprise the majority of the bonded labour population in Pakistan, while the Barnabas Fund added that 75 per cent of the bonded labourers in Pakistan are children.
The report also stated that most of these labourers are unable to pay off the debt because of their meager wages, and because of their plight, they may be assaulted sexually or sold off to other employers.
Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association President Anjum James Paul condemned the demolition of the Christian homes and told government officials to remember their obligation to provide shelter to all Pakistani citizens.
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The local government swooped in on the homes of the Christians in Samundri, Punjab province, in early December last year.
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Bonded labour is a practice in Pakistan where the family or the person with a debt bonds himself or herself to the person, family or business that they owed money to, in order to pay off the debt through labour. Under this practice, the death of the debtor in question does not pay off the debt. Instead, the entire family will shoulder the debt and provide additional labour in order to settle the account, usually for several generations.
The debt is usually incurred when the person needs to borrow an immense amount of money. This in turn happens when there is a serious financial crisis in the family.
The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement stated that brick kiln workers comprise the majority of the bonded labour population in Pakistan, while the Barnabas Fund added that 75 per cent of the bonded labourers in Pakistan are children.
The report also stated that most of these labourers are unable to pay off the debt because of their meager wages, and because of their plight, they may be assaulted sexually or sold off to other employers.
Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association President Anjum James Paul condemned the demolition of the Christian homes and told government officials to remember their obligation to provide shelter to all Pakistani citizens.
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