Christian-Pakistanis – The Conservative-Patriot Christian Right

Keep Shamim Reporting

Shamim Mahmood – Christian-Pakistani Journalist

Shamim has been the primary source in Pakistan demonstrating how Islamic Supremacism has been a devastating tragedy of persecution for Christians by the Sunni Muslim majority. Please take some prayerful consideration to support his oft times dangerous work as a Christian and Journalist in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The best method to send funds to Shamim in Pakistan is Western Union (Name: Shamim Mahmood. City: Islamabad. Phone: +92-300-642-4560). For some reason my favorite money distribution method of Paypal is disallowed in Pakistan.

JRH 1/8/16

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Keep Shamim Reporting

By Shamim Mahmood [Masih]

Sent 1/8/16 12:28 AM

Hello Dear [Friend],

Greetings, I hope this email will find you in a good heath. I wish you a very Happy New Year, 2017. I report news that others dismiss and ignore. Please read and learn about my history and let me know how you can help me.

I’m an offbeat human rights reporter with a great deal of experience and a proven track record. I have an off and on perception of Islamic largesse in Pakistan. When terrorism strikes, I note the hypocrisy of a Constitution that stipulates equal rights for all Pakistani citizens regardless of religious faith. A Constitution that also stipulates Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. Pakistan that follows Sharia Law and enforces Blasphemy Laws that literally can lead to awaiting death sentences in jail, unless an observant Muslim mob kills the accused violator of the Muslim Blasphemy Law first. Due to the unacceptable and prompt reaction attitude prevailing in Pakistan, I have been facing many hurdles but kept on reporting on minorities issues parallel to my official responsibilities.

At the dawn of 2017, I conclude that there is no standard place for me in the mainstream work force. The most good I can do for people is to keep writing and publicizing news, this is where I ask my friends and supporters to contribute a very small monthly amount to keep me out there.

I have supported religious minorities as well as the many victims of discrimination, police brutality, racism, sex abuse and other endemic problems through journalism for many years. I see the human race as a single entity and I write on behalf of people countrywide. I used to be a mainstream reporter but found this type of journalism restricting and frankly, over controlled by corporate interests.

Over the past years, I have devoted my time and energy almost exclusively to a number of subjects that most media ignored or reported with great bias. An outline of my recent efforts includes …. The Gojra incident [Dawn & Express Tribune] that left the killing of seven Christian family members. The breaking story of Rimsha Masih who was a minor Christian girl accused of blasphemy. The twin blasts in Peshawar Church. A Christian couple burnt alive in Kot Radha Kishan. Zafar Bhatti blasphemy accused and still suffering in jail. Others accused under Pakistani Blasphemy include Asia Bibi, Sawan Masih and Nabeel Masih [Christians in Pakistan & BPCA]. And the Youhanabad Church blasts and many more.

SUPPORT Shamim’s Christian advocacy in Pakistan. I like you to use Western Union sending money with the destination of Islamabad. Shamim’s email is shamimpakistan@gmail.com, Western Union may ask for Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

Be Blessed,

Shamim Mahmood

email. shamimpakistan@gmail.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Eushaw

Journalist, Blogger and Social Reformer
http://oiwerk.blogspot.com/

+92-300-642-4560

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Edited by John R. Houk

Reference links are by the Editor.

© Shamim Mahmood

Racist will Remain Alive and Well Groom in Pakistan

Mumtaz Qadri right

News from Pakistan: In 2011 Mumtaz Qadri (Taseer’s body guard) assassinated the Punjab Governor Salman Taseer because of the Governor’s support for Blasphemy Law reform and supporting that a pardon occur for Asia Bibi (still in jail and See HERE) convicted with a death sentence for violating the same Blasphemy Law. This important to know because Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court upheld Qadri’s conviction but threw out the part of the conviction that violated Pakistan’s section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA or 7ATA – 1997, 2014 and 2015).

Shamim Masih has a sense that throwing out the terrorist portion of the original conviction could lead to a successful appeal for Mumtaz Qadri. If Shamim is correct then that would be a travesty of justice especially since Pakistani-Christians endured yet another Muslim homicidal-suicide attack on two of their Churches on Sunday (Pakistan Time) killing 15 people.

JRH 3/15/15

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Racist will Remain Alive and Well Groom in Pakistan

IHC Saved Qadri’s Skin

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 3/15/2015 1:33 AM

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on March 09, 2015 verdict on Mumtaz Qadri case upholding his conviction under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on killing the former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer. A two member bench comprising Justice Noorul Haq Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui dismissed the appeal. The ruling by the IHC was a surprise in two ways:

A): many had expected the killer’s sentence might be reduced amid growing threats to lawyers and judges hearing blasphemy-related cases.

B): Many believe that the IHC has saved Qadri skin while upholding the conviction of Mumtaz Qadri under section 302 and 7ATA void.

The bench had reserved the judgment on February 11 after advocate general Islamabad Mian Abdul Rauf, the prosecutor in the case, and Qadri’s counsels, including former Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Khawaja Sharif and retired Justice Mian Nazeer – concluded their arguments. I am quite surprised that when people like former Chief Justice LHC and Justice retired Mian Nazeer will remain in back of the racialist like Mumtaz Qadri, how can this society be changed. Certainly racists [are] alive and well groomed in Pakistan. I can’t say anything against Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui because he is a sitting judge. However he is reportedly the same person, who has been seen kissing and garlanding the killer of Salman Taseer. The blasphemy law has been extensively misused not only to target the minorities but also by Muslims against Muslims to settle personal scores. Even former Federal Religious Affairs Minister Ejazul Haq admitted in November 2005 that the blasphemy law was being misused and expressed the government’s desire to bring amendments to it. Hundreds of the innocent people had been imprisoned, forced to flee the country or killed by extremists under the pretext of punishing blasphemers. One known Christian Gulshan Masih from the capital was forced to flee when he was accused of blasphemy. According to the sources FIR 96/12 was registered against him because he has been supporting the Shahbaz Bhatti case, which was killed, right out of his residence in I-8 Sector in Islamabad. Bhatti was killed for supporting Asia Bibi and Salman Taseer was killed for supporting Asia Bibi as well. Sources confirm that he is now seeking asylum in some other European country, probably Denmark. Gulshan has reportedly been supporting the construction of the Church in Central Jail Adyala, Rawalpindi.

Within minutes of the verdict, a celebration was seen in IHC premises where supporters distributed sweetmeats and they shared their joy. Their happiness was shared by those who defended Mumtaz Qadri in the court. When the IHC upheld the murder cases against Qadri for killing former governor Salman Taseer, his lawyers were happy that the terrorism charges against Qadri had been dropped. Qadri was employed to provide security to Taseer, killed the latter in January 2011 in Kohsar Market, Islamabad, where hundreds of the people saved their lives hiding when shot him. He was convicted by the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in October the same year, under both section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and under section 302 of Pakistan Penal code respectively. The IHC division bench set aside his conviction under section 7 of the ATA but uphold the death sentence under 302 of the PPC. I don’t know the definition of 7ATA, but certainly it was reported that hundreds of the people have saved their lives in hiding themselves when Qadri was firing in the day light. This means that Qadri is guilty of murder but not terrorism. Some of them even made impromptu, fiery speeches and chanted slogans in favor of Taseer’s killer. I am not an expert in covering crime cases but certainly facing the same situation in the country know that the Qadri team could appeal that his trial had been an unfairly one – the trial had been carried out in the ATC although now Qadri is no longer charged with a terrorist act. Qadri’s lawyers can request the Court to retrial as the ATC cannot try ordinary murder cases. They actually played technically, if the ATA remains in the case, it may be transferred to the military Court. The future will be that the team will go to the Supreme Court to appeal that this conviction and death sentence had been upheld. I don’t know [if] the government lawyers of Salman Taseer’s family would appeal the decision or challenging the order. Legal experts also pointed out the loopholes that will work to Qadri’s advantage with this judgment. They said that the conviction under only the PPC (not the terrorism law) means that Qadri was now guilty of a compoundable offence. They pointed out the Qadri could go free if the Taseer family pardoned him or go for life imprisonment and after few years he will be free. A senior law officer of the federal government, on the condition of anonymity, predicted that there were few changes of the government going into appeal. Normally lawyers are reluctant to appear in these [cases]. I am afraid and keeping in view of the present situation can predict that the Courts will drop the ATA charges against the Shahbaz Bhatti case in one day or other.

Most of my past articles and story intimate that the only hope for religious minorities in Pakistan is for all religious faiths including the Sunni majority learn to accept each other in harmonious tolerance regardless of religious differences. AND in most cases I would agree to mutual tolerance; however the problem I have is that Islamic revered writings specifically encourages violence up to and including death to all unbelievers (define as kafir in Islam) who refuse to subject and submit their beliefs to Islamic Supremacy. On a personal level then I am not going to tolerate a religious faith that will not tolerate my faith just because I refuse to shut up about Jesus Christ being the Son of God. I have always been writing that we want to bring change not only in the constitution but also want to change the mindset. It not Islam we are against but the Islamophobia. At least the justice system should be transparent and fair so that deprived portion in the society can live without fear from [all] sides. Minorities will always live under constant fear either to be killed by extremists under the pretext of punishing blasphemers or in the Courts.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Diplomatic Correspondent, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, UN, F & S, MOST, CADD & Human Rights Activist

Daily Khabrian – in Urdu (PakBiz.com description – in English) & Channel – 5 (A project of Khabrian Group of papers)

For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending this LINK to a Western Union agent in Islamabad. Include Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

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Edited by John R. Houk

Text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor

© Shamim Masih

Looking for Role “Model”

Shamim & Najma Masih

Intro to “Looking for Role ‘Model’”

By Editor John R. Houk

© February 15, 2014

Shamim Masih is a regular contributor to SlantRight 2.0 and other blogs that I manage (NCCR & Ubiquitous8Thoughts). He has told me the funding for his family situations are lower than usual and his missed critical payments of important bills. Shamim did not want me to go into detail, but I feel compelled to intercede for this Christian activist that often ministers to the needs of poverty stricken Christians in Pakistan. Pakistan has become a nation devoted to Islam and Sharia Law which means ALL non-Muslims are receiving the modern version of dhimmitude which is essentially oppression. This oppression is Islamic Supremacism at its worse. The American Mainstream Media (MSM) is deficient in reporting the civil human abuse that Christians and other non-Muslim people receive in Pakistan. In other Muslim nations where this oppression against Christians is rampant there may be an infinitesimal amount of reporting; however in Pakistan the lack of exposing of violence and abuse is appalling.

At the end of Shamim’s Op/Ed style of reporting I have provided information on how to send a one time and/or a regular interval of support to Shamim. From experience the best way to send money to Shamim is via Western Union which converts dollars or euros into Pakistan Rupees upon pick-up. However if you wish to help Shamim you can use my Paypal donation button BUT just be sure to designate the donation for Shamim Masih so I can distinguish the funds for Shamim from the funds that support NCCR. At which time I will send the funds via Western Union to Shamim Masih.

Shamim’s Op/Ed pertains to Taliban persecution and the weak-kneed better off Christians that have a tendency to function as “yes-men” for officials dedicated to Islamic Supremacism than as a Christian Brother for the lesser-to-do-well Christians of Pakistan.

JRH 2/15/14

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Looking for Role “Model”

If Taliban Rules

By Shamim Masih

2/14/2014 5:40 PM

ISLAMABAD: If you ever get a chance to spend a night in a common Christian family living in slum areas. And if you can picture the issues they face in their daily life. And the most important; is to remember the sufferings, if you ever get a chance to become in power at any level. I am particularly talking about Pakistani Christians leadership. Many of the Christian political leaders originated from a common background, but it is practically observed that once they got some power in our hands. We simply forget the real cause and track is change.

Former Federal Minister for minority affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, founder of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliances – APMA started working for the noble cause; and reportedly work for vested interests. Later he was killed in Islamabad in March, 2011; he was receiving threats to his life for his defense of speaking out against the blasphemy law. The killers were arrested and released due to lack of the evidences and interest of the supplicant. Later in September 2013, two suspected terrorists were arrested; Adil was picked up after a car full of explosives was found at his house. And later Hammad Adil and Umer Abdullah were charged with the murder of Bhatti. The trial is underway at the Anti-Terrorism court in Adayala Jail, Rawalpindi. On January 22, the two eye witnesses were produced in court during the hearing. They saw the two accused, one whom was driving the car that day and the other man who was throwing pamphlets on the road after Bhatti was shot. The court was adjourned till February 06, 2014. Rana Abdul Hamid, the attorney spoke to me that he will be back in Islamabad on February 06 for the hearing of Shahbaz Bhatti case, but on the said date, he didn’t appear before the court and the court was adjourned to meet again on 22^nd February, 2014.

Later Paul Bhatti reportedly was threatened; Dr. Paul Bhatti told BosNewslife he had been in Italy while receiving a threatening letter from groups linked to the 2011 assassination of his younger brother, and fellow Christian, Shahbaz Bhatti, who was minorities minister at the time.

Dr. Paul pledged to leave Italy and return to Pakistan despite receiving death threats from Islamic militants. He is trained surgeon, and runs his business there. He can afford to live there as his another brother lives in Canada. My question is; what about others who used their association with Shahbaz Bhatti as opportunity to get out of Pakistan? Many of the Pakistani leaders run off to other countries like Europe, USA and Canada. Why is no one speaking about the rights of poor segment of the society? The fact is; the poorest have no such option.

Many of them are sitting in other countries and seeking asylum. No one asks them about their performance while they were in power. I don’t [want to] blame but Bhatti’s “performance” reportedly has a question mark? How many educational/technical institutions were set up during the mean time? What solid steps were taken to empower the youth or for their economical growth? How many students were sponsored for higher studies? Even the current sitting minister doesn’t have any plan to support the talented ones of this era. He is only the “Yes Man” to his bosses. Why do these Christian leaders forget their origination? It’s an alarming situation all around and they should present the real picture to the West while representing the government.

The Pakistani Taliban has announced an armed struggle against an indigenous tribe and Ismaili Muslims. They warn the Kalash, who are thought to number only 3500, to convert to Islam or face death. The spokesman said, “By the grace of Allah, an increasing number of people from Kalash Tribe are embracing Islam and we want to make it clear to the Kalash tribe that they will be eliminated along with their protectors, the western agents if they don’t embrace Islam”

Unfortunately the constitution theoretically protects freedom of speech, and the media is seen as having taken great strides in recent years. But certain subjects, particularly criticism concerning the all-powerful army and spy agencies, remain taboo. There is an urgent need for greater equality and social justice and for peace. In reference to the ongoing persecution and discrimination suffered by Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan, notably Ahmadiyyas and Shiite Muslims.

And nonetheless, the time is gone, let’s pray for those who do leave to at least support them to uplift the poor, since they can easily set up new, ongoing rich lives in the West.

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Intro to “Looking for Role ‘Model’”

By Editor John R. Houk

© February 15, 2014

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Looking for Role “Model”

All the links within Shamim’s Op/Ed are supplied by Shamim. Anything enclosed in brackets are additions by the Editor.

Special Correspondents

Daily Khabrian (PakBiz.com description) & Channel – 5

Human Rights Activist

Snapshot of Human Rights Activism from 2011

Christian Rights Activist
Freelance Journalist

Secretary General

REAP

Shamim Masih’s Donate/Support info:

Editor: For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending to a Western Union agent in Islamabad.

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Message of Hope in the Time of Trouble

Ms. Benjamin shares a rarity relating to Pakistan; viz., a Pakistani Christian band. According Ms. Benjamin Muslim singers are typically used to record Christian music. So a band singing Christian music by Christians from Pakistan is a big deal.

JRH 12/2/13 (Ms. Benjamin has sent a updated re-edit)

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Message of Hope in the Time of Trouble

By Lubna Thomas Benjamin

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow2011-12, Journalist

Sent: Mon 12/2/2013 1:38 PM

Amidst the trials and un-ending problems for the Christians living in Pakistan, certainly no words or actions can pacify or comfort those living there. Under constant threats and the fear of something might happen which will shatter their lives in the form of persecution, attack or blasphemy law, God’s hand is more powerful to strengthen the Christians of Pakistan in their faith.

Soon after twin suicide attacks inside the church of Peshawar, I relentlessly started to search how the Christians living in Pakistan can ever have even a modicum of hope. What they need to do among themselves to uplift and encourage others to keep up with the faith. A committed and dedicated spirit is needed to drive such motives to give the message of hope and peace. No one other but someone from them can only deliver that message.

I got success in my search after I found this young group of Christian worshippers who carry the message of peace, hope and love in their music. With the name of the Hallelujah Band, this musical group consisting of six-team members is not only blessed with the talent but also the power of faith and love for Jesus Christ.

“Hallelujah is not the name of our musical band rather the slogan that we carry and it’s the word that everyone can say and affiliate their faith with,” said Waqar Peter Gill, the band’s spokesman and guitarist.

“A voice is a human gift; it should be cherished and used, to utter fully human speech as possible. Powerlessness and silence go together.” Margaret Atwood.

The motivation behind the formation of this band is to give the message to the world and the Muslims, majority population of Pakistan about the love and forgiveness that the Christians carry having the name of Jesus Christ.

https://www.facebook.com/HallelujahPakistaniGospelBand

“We don’t have hope from the majority living here as they don’t have the name of Jesus, it’s we who have this name and we spread this to the Christians who are living in fear”, Waqar told.

Gifted with the talent to sing in more than one language, this band magnificently mixes Urdu, Pakistan’s national language with English to make it easy for the international listeners to understand. Their song “Mera Masih (My Jesus) is the vivid manifestation of this:

http://vimeo.com/80475571

Not only this, but this group’s one song “Rahber” (Guide) has become the first Christian video that has been played on different music channels of the country and was entitled as “the true message of peace”.

It’s only in recent years that there is a trend of Christian band singing like professional singers. Before that, mostly the Muslim singers would sing and made albums for psalms and singing Christian songs. As I talked to Waqar, I came to know that other purpose of forming this band is to show that the Christians have the talent to bring their own music and worship Jesus in true spirit. I could feel the passion and pain Waqar had for the Christian youth of Pakistan as I talked to him on Skype. “We need to inspire our youth towards the worship and to channelize their potential and services towards the productive work.”

As this band is a project of Alpha Productions run solely by the Christians, Waqar shared his experience of having the young Christians as interns and then after they learn the production, they can go out to explore the market and start jobs.

Being the media person myself and having worked in the Pakistani media for seven years and the leading news channel, I know the troubles that a new person has to face especially when you have to work in a leading news channel.

Hallelujah band’s story of bringing change in the lives of the Christians of Pakistan doesn’t end here but they are also running the Blood donation network, the need of which they felt after the Peshawar blasts in church. They are committed to help all the people irrespective of race, color and religion through this blood bank.

I know one fact very clearly that whenever you are in minority you either get strengthened in your faith or you give up with this in the presence of threats or persecution. For the Christians of Pakistan and being one of them, I know that they would never give up with their faith no matter how much problems and suffering they have to face. The more problems we have, the more we have voices like the Hallelujah Band to strengthen and uplift the faith of the people. As it’s just the voice that we all have.

_______________________________

Lubna Thomas Benjamin

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow (2011-12)

http://lubnatbenjamin.wordpress.com

http://twitter.com/lubnathomas

http://pinterest.com/lubna2012/

http://vimeo.com/user8751144/videos

http://about.me/lubnathomas/

http://cronkite.asu.edu/node/2173