PML-N – The Conservative-Patriot Christian Right

CDA Urged SC to Make Poor Christian Homeless

After a bigoted anti-Christian report by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad, the plan is close to being executed to make slum dwelling Christians completely homeless during Pakistan’s cold season. This means no shelter, no necessities for living and an extreme lack of sources for food will exist. It is reminiscent on how the former Soviet Union used the weather elements and starvation for the genocide of Ukrainians in the old USSR.

Since President Barack Hussein Obama is more concerned about displaced Jew and Christian-hating than the genocidal slaughter of Christians in the Middle East I have doubts he will lend a voice to the helpless Christians in Pakistan that is actually using the instruments of government planning to provide phases to this genocide if successful.

JRH 12/23/15

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CDA Urged SC to Make Poor Christian Homeless

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 12/21/2015 8:10 PM

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is made for all its citizens, irrespective to their religion and its government responsibility to provide shelter to every citizen. But the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has requested the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) to allow CDA to take action along with other Government Departments, against the Christians dwellers in the capital and the residents may be returned to their native areas. This is very unfortunate that Christian parliamentarian and clergy are still silent in the country.

Christian dwellers had found their living place around the seasonal drainage (Nalaas) of Islamabad for more than three decades. They are constantly living under threat though serving in CDA and their women and children are serving the well-to-do families in the capital. Most of them work as laborers, housekeepers and street cleaners but the authorities have not provided them housing facilities. Their children are starving and families choose to sell themselves into slavery for survival, illustrating that humanity has left the nation of Pakistan.

[Christians] living across the seasonal drainages (Nalaas) and [are] most affected by the floods every year in the rainy season, but no disaster recovery plan or infrastructure has been put in place to enhance their safety and security. Victims lost most of their possessions every year which washed away with their homes or irretrievably ruined by a water surge. But they again manage their livings. Many of them have been drowned during the raining season and died, leaving their children helpless. These people are living with no proper drainage system, no pure water facility, no regular electricity and no gas facility provided by CDA.

Earlier the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered to demolish the slums of Islamabad. In the recent report submitted to the apex court the CDA has not only declared the influx as a threat to the numerical superiority of Muslims in the capital city but bashes slum residents as land grabbing migrants who, presumably, do not contribute to the development of this country. The word “ugly” manifest repeatedly in the report as a description of the slums: They “look like ugly villages” in the beautiful city of Islamabad. They’re “ugly slums which present a bad picture even (more) than the ancient slums of neighboring city of Rawalpindi” Dawn reported. This is totally inhuman behavior adopted towards the Christian resident and against ethnic norms.

The most unsettling element of the report is the implication that the religion of the slum-residents makes them more problematic than usual. The CDA report states: It is necessary to identify the fact that most of the katchi abadis are under the occupation of the Christian community who are shifted from Narowal, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Kasur, Sahiwal and Faisalabad and occupied the Government land so badly as if It has been allotted to them and it seems this pace of occupation of land may affect the Muslim majority of the capital. This statement offers a glimpse into the minds of those who are part of the slum eradication drive.

The CDA has no plan to shift or provide alternate land and financial compensation to the dwellers and wanted them to send back to their native areas. Evocation [Blog Editor: I am uncertain if Shamim means “evocation” or “evacuation”. He used “evocation”.] is a violation of human rights of the poor. This clearly shows the mindset of the present government that divides Pakistanis on religion lines. The constitution guarantees the right to shelter to every citizen and no one should be removed from Islamabad on the basis of religion. Asim Sajjad, President Awami Watin Party (AWP) [Blog Editor: If AWP can also stand for Awami Workers Party, then HERE is a link of an unabashedly Leftist political party in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.] said that he was shocked to see the report CDA has submitted to the SC to justify its actions against the Christian dwellers of the capital. Religious minorities should not be targeted on the basis of their religion. “Either no one checks such hooplas in the CDA or it has a policy to remove Christians from the city, he added. Falak Sher, a resident of H 9 colony said that his family was displaced from Mehrabadi like many others after the religious animosity gripped the slum after the cleric accused a young Christian girl, Rimsha, of burning Quran. They settled down in H 9 but the CDA has planned to displace them again just because of their faith.

The ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), is evidently considered against the Christians in the country. Most of the inhuman retorts, like burning a Christian couple and burning Christian colonies after accusing any Christian had been in Punjab during its rule. Death plenty punishment was being added in blasphemy law by the Godfather of Nawaz Sharif, (Gen Zia ul Haq). PML-N leader was reportedly behind the burning of the hundreds of the Christians’ houses including two churches in Joseph Colony, Lahore in March, 2013. Now during the rule of the said party, the civic agency plans to demolish 41 slums in different sectors of the capital and [it is no coincidence a] few of them are Christian populated. Earlier the CDA informed the SC that katchi abadis will be demolished in four phases but no time frame was given to execute the plan.

Under phase I, the slums to be knocked down are: Street 17 of Sector I-10/1, Sector H-11/2 Kashmir Highway, Roshan Colony Sector I-12, Christian Colony Sector G-6/1-4, Dhobi Ghat G-6/2, Sector F-8/1 Nazimuddin Road, Green Belt H-12 and I-12 behind NUST, Muzaffar Colony H-11/4, Musharraf Colony G-8/4, Muhallah Dori Bagh, Miskeen Colony G-8/4, Shopper Colony G-7 Markaz, Sector H-9 and Bari Imam Katchi Abadi.

Likewise, 11 katchi abadis will be removed under phase II. They are: Chak Shahzad (PIA), Chak Shahzad Pona Faqiran, Dhoke Pathan Chamber Road Abadi, Dhoke Pathan (Sahila), Khanna Pull, New Shkrial katchi abadi, Shams Colony Bhangra Road, Rawat, Sumbal at Korak Town, Junejo Colony, Mohriyan and NIH Colony. Five similar colonies are slated to be demolished under phase III. They are: Bheka Syedan F-11, Sectors G-12, F-12, E-12 behind Khushian Wali Sarkar and I-11/2 Bakra and Surain. In phase IV, the slums to be removed are located at Sectors G-7/1, G-7/2 (66 quarters), G-7/3-2 (48 quarters), F-6/2, F-7/4 France Colony, Hansa Colony G-8/1, Essa Nagri I-9/1 and Muslim Colony, Bari Imam.

Unfortunately Christian parliamentarians do not bother to speak in the favor of Christians instead presenting “all well” reports. In 15 katchi abadis, dwellers are Christians in the capital city and it is feared that if CDA takes action against these slum areas around 150,000 people will be on the roads. The action will displace the Christian community during the freezing cold season.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

The best way to SUPPORT Shamim’s Christian advocacy in Pakistan is via Western Union sending money with this LINK to a Western Union agent in Islamabad. Include Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

Correspondent, Pakistan Today – (About Pakistan Today), Blogger and Human Rights Activist

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Edited by John R. Houk

Any text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor and all links as well.

© Shamim Masih

Take a Stand with Christians in Muslim Dominated Nations

John R. Houk

© December 2, 2015

December marks a point when the spirit of Christmas motivates Christians to take on a sense of the Love of God and a hopeful future in Christ. Whether or not the Lord Jesus Christ was actually born as the Son of God in December or a more acceptable historical date (many historians think October) is irrelevant. The relevance is the meaning of the season.

Christmas is a good time to think of the Christians who are literally brutally persecuted even to death where they are a minority. Although Muslim nations are not the only place where Christians are a minority, it is in Muslims nations in which some of the cruelest persecutions take place rabidly against Christians. The ISIS genocidal acts against Christians may come to mind first among Westerners because the rarity of reporting on Christian persecution currently shows blips of ISIS slaughtering of Christians. If you know a way to aid these Brothers and Sisters in faith DO SO! If you don’t know a way, find a person or organization that does. Barring resources dear God in Heaven at least get on your knees and pray.

I have a Christian friend in Pakistan who is actually from Pakistan. His name is Shamim Masih. Pakistan Islamic persecution of Christians may not be on the level of ISIS; nonetheless it is still quite horrific. Shamim makes a meager living as a Christian journalist in Pakistan. Even though the living is meager, his activities are still devoted to human rights for his fellow Christians which includes whatever Christian love that can be offered on a ministerial basis.

Due to Shamim’s selfless devotion to the community of Christians in Pakistan (the Brothers and Sisters of ALL Christians) this is a good time to remember the work of people like Shamim. If you already support a person like Shamim, dear God in Heaven, KEEP DOING IT! If you have room in your budget to send some support Shamim’s way please do so. If you don’t have your version of a Shamim Masih, please consider supporting Shamim Masih. Especially during this Christmas season.

Below are the contents of two emails which were sent in late November to me from Shamim Masih. The first is a Christmas appeal. The second is a typical report from Shamim on the brutality experienced constantly by Christian Pakistanis from the Sunni Muslim majority of Pakistan.

Pertaining to the brutality of Muslims against Christians in Pakistan Shamim using a starting point of an interfaith harmony conference sponsored by Universal Nexus for Interfaith Trust & Engagement (UNITE). Frankly I am not certain how much Shamim agrees with my sentiments on the Antichrist nature of the Islamic religion. So I note with a dubious attitude toward the seemingly Muslim domination of this so-called interfaith harmony agenda of UNITE. As you will read below the conference took place between November 24 and 25 2015 in Islamabad. I’m cross posting the Slide Share presentation of this conference’s agenda for harmony between Islam and the religious minorities of Pakistan of which Christianity is one of many minorities.

Like so many Leftist multiculturalists and Muslim apologists, I find this agenda a bit misleading:

Slide Share Presentation:

Universal Nexus for Interfaith Trust and Engagement.http://player.slideplayer.com/23/6851406/

View more presentations from Randall Flynn

Here are some selected excerpts from the UNITE agenda from the earlier parts of the Slide Share demonstration:

o This despite the fact that under Islam, the rights of minorities in Muslim societies are fully protected to ensure their complete security and harmony; and the same can be deemed ideal for any society.

o In order to ensure, safeguard and promote the rights of non-Muslims as enshrined in Islam …

o The head of UNITE is the country’s young, renowned religious leader Mufti Abu Huraira Mohiuddin, who is already rendering exemplary guidance by preaching patience and tolerance, religious harmony while educating youth about Islam’s progressive message in the country.

OBJECTIVES

o The main objective –

o Elaborate a clear connection between all the religions of the world with Islam.

o Strive for peaceful coexistence between all religions.

o Make aware Islam’s inclusiveness to all religions.

o Encourage and promote education for the larger public benefit concerning religious education among the different religions.

GOVERNING BODY

o The name, addresses and descriptions of the present members of the governing body are:

o Sardar Muhammad Yousaf – Patron in Chief

o Mufti Abu Huraira Mohiuddin – Chairman

o Mufti Abu Bakar Mohiuddin – Vice Chairman

o Sardar Shahjahan Yousaf – General Secretary

o Jameel ur Rehman – Joint Secretary

o Zee Waqar Ahmed – Finance Secretary

o Sajjad Ahmed – Secretary Information

Hmm … Does this sound like the Islam of the Quran, Hadith and Sira? “… under Islam, the rights of minorities in Muslim societies are fully protected to ensure their complete security and harmony …”

A deceptive Muslim answer is something like this: Islam insures the rights of minorities and fully protects the security and harmony of minorities. The thing is a Muslim fails to tell a non-Muslim is this promise is EXTREMELY conditional. In quoting the opening sentence of a pro-Islam website entitled “General Rules for dealing with non Muslims” the proviso runs like this:

Islam orders Muslims to deal kindly and justly to all non Muslims as long as they do not oppose or oppress Muslims or place obstacles in the way of spreading Islam.

The key to understanding despotism in Islam is the part that says, “… as long as they do not oppose or oppress Muslims or place obstacles in the way of the spreading Islam.” The rest of this webpage tells you of all the justice of protection non-Muslims but fails in the extreme the retribution incurred for opposing or preventing the spread of Islam by example showing how much more compassionate your religious faith is than Islam. Oh baby just read the news to see how Muslims treat non-Muslims for breaking the above proviso.

Then check out the names of UNITE’s governing body. Every single one of these guys on this interfaith/harmony organization’s governing body are Muslim! Where the heck is the so-call interfaith harmony in UNITE’s body politic? The links embedded into the governing body are from me the Blog Editor.

At any rate moving on back to Shamim Masih. Please take a prayerful moment to contemplate on supporting his Christian work in Pakistan. Directly below Shamim provides an avenue to contact him to set up a support arrangement whether it is one-time or ongoing. At the end of the second Shamim email I provide a Western Union path to support Shamim. Sadly Shamim tells me nary a person has used that method so perhaps follow the instructions directly below.

God is good and Jesus Christ the Savior is Lord.

JRH 12/2/15

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Celebrate this Christmas Special

Share your joy with needy Christians

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 11/30/2015 10:38 AM

Make Christmas Special for Your Sponsored Child

Christmas traditions hold so much value in our lives. They help us comprehend more deeply the joy we sing about at Christmas—whether we’re building gingerbread houses, caroling throughout the community, hanging ornaments on the tree, or exchanging gifts, each tradition helps us embrace the miracle that become possible through Jesus . . . the firstborn of our eternal family! Christmastime awakens our appreciation for the ultimate reason for the occasion—the celebration of the greatest gift of all—Christ Jesus.

Many Christian families cannot afford and their children remain neglected. It really hearts me and this year I have planned to do something special. With your help I can reach many people. Many of you are witness to my services towards Christian community in the country.

This Christmas, you’re invited to share this incredible gift, along with some of your special traditions, with your sponsored child. Make them feel a part of your Christmas celebration. This year we have planned to support at least ten families.

For contribution, please contact Shamim at 92 300 642 4560 or you can email me, shamimpakistan@gmail.com

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Elimination of Violence

Persecution against Religious Minorities

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 11/29/2015 3:03 AM

ISLAMABAD: There was an International conference in Islamabad on 24-25 November, 2015 [UNITE.org and UtahReps.net], to create interfaith harmony and better interaction with religious minorities of the country. It was just a public show for the vested interest of a close relative of the Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf [Wikiwand] and some other people. Practically the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) has shut down the role of Ministry of Interfaith Harmony and religious minorities has been facing the same kind of discrimination. Locally people see so little solidarity and harmony but religious extremists with a specific mind set continues to violate basic human rights with impunity. For the past weeks, we saw the continued horrific, religious rights violated daily. I just returned from Dist. Faisalabad where a Christian school girl, Sara, 8, has faced torture and was locked for an hour or so by her head teacher for using [school] toilet which is meant to use by Muslims only [Pakistan Christian Post]. This matter was raised in the Senate by the Senator Sharry [or Sherry] Rehman [Wikipedia]. Also Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani [Wikipedia] has ordered an inquiry [Christianity Today] on this issue but [so far] there is no result. A local Christian family is pressured to compromise with the education department. And this issue was dumped to death. Forced conversions, kidnappings and rapes of minority women is on and nobody bothers to look into this matter. Unfortunately some of Christian representatives are [too] busy to present a win- win situation to the West for their vested interests.

Tahir Naveed Chaudhry [Pakistan Minorities Alliance], chairman Pakistan Minority Alliance (PMA) has raised the issues facing minorities. Addressing to the conference, Tahir Naveed Chaudhry said that to create a better interaction between different religions of the country:

o The government should stop discriminatory behavior towards religious minorities.

o The government should provide minorities living rights.

o Forced conversions should stop.

o Minority seats in the Parliament house should be increased according to the population.

o There should be a transparent and fair census.

o Abuse and misuse of blasphemy law should end.

o Discriminatory material in text books should be banned.

Chaudhry said that discrimination in the legislation shows the dual face of the country, when Article 25 [PakistanConstitution.com] protect the rights of all citizen of the country but Article 41[http://sja.gos.pk] restricts the minority members to become president, and 18th Amendment has barred them to be the prime minister [18^th Amendment 29(3)] of Pakistan. Pakistan must stop its discriminatory behavior.

The New Year can lessen the trouble from the previous year for the Pakistani minorities if government takes necessary measures to protect minorities. We are witness to the year-round occurrence and continue to an alarming degree of the violence against the Christians of the countries. Persecution against minorities is not only blasphemy allegations but is an attack on their bodily integrity and their dignity. Police brutality towards minorities is no secret [Christian Post]. There are number of cases been reported the suspicious deaths of Christians without police custody. Lack of interest towards complaints by the Christians minority has created a recognized level of impunity that exacerbates the situation in the country. Political influence on the judiciary and police has extended the forms and ways to violence and discrimination against the Christian minority. Most recently, in the capital, Islamabad, PML-N a sitting parliamentarian reportedly has used its power to grab land of Pak Development Foundation ® (PDF) of 1.2 acre, where PDF is running vocational institute as well. The local land grabber with the help of PML-N parliamentarian registered a First Investigation Report (FIR) -134/15, at Police Station (PS) Banni Gala, Islamabad [Blog Editor: If not the incident meant by Shamim, THIS is at least is an example of land grabbing practices] against PDF management and Basharat Khokhar [Christians in Pakistan], chief Coordinator United Church Council Islamabad (UCCI).

On the other hand the refusal by police officers to even register an FIR in most cases raised by Christians, illustrates that western nation assessment of “sufficiency of protection” are flawed at best – yet the big sponsors i.e. Britain, the European Union and the US the current status quo will continue or reach a nadir [Assist News Service]. The West is busy in bringing Legislative amendments to enable speedy return of asylum seekers to their home country. Benefits for asylum seekers have been reduced and rules for family immigration are tightened.

People across the globe simply have to challenge their politicians to intervene on behalf of Pakistani Christians or eventually this attrition will lead to the eradication of Christians in Pakistan. We need to place an emphasis on the universality of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan, the multiplicity of its forms and the ways in which violence, discrimination against minorities, and the broader system of domination based on subordination and inequality are inter-related. The value of interfaith harmony is that it serves as a time of analysis of the issue and then of re-dedication to take both short-term and longer-range measures.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Correspondent, Pakistan Today – (About Pakistan Today), Blogger and Human Rights Activist

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Take a Stand with Christians in Muslim Dominated Nations

John R. Houk

© December 2, 2015

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“Celebrate this Christmas Special” and “Elimination of Violence”

Edited by John R. Houk

Text and Links enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.

© Shamim Masih

Duplicity of Pak Govt. toward Religious Minorities

Shamim Masih writes about how the Pakistani government is ignoring all of Pakistan’s religious minorities to the favor of Sunni Islam. In my case I am interested in how Sunni Muslims get away with persecuting Christians with nearly no legal recourse.

JRH 7/4/15

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Duplicity of Pak Govt. toward Religious Minorities

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 7/3/2015 5:02 PM

ISLAMABAD: My article printed on June 20, 2013 at Daily Times, Islamabad (SlantRight 2.0 version) stated that Pakistani Christians have thrown some of their political support to Pakistan Muslim League (N) [Wikipedia] in the election on 11 May 2013, even though they have reason to be wary of his return to power. A majority of the Pakistani Christians are not optimistic about Sharif’s government because of their religious approach and prejudiced mind set. In general, Pakistan is unable to achieve its desired status in the comity of nations despite have good natural and human resources; the reason is that there is injustice at the heart of all its systems on all levels.

The PML-N’s history of ruling over Punjab province is marked by several episodes of anti-Christian violence. Although blasphemy laws are being misused in the country widely but most of the cruel incidents against Christians happened in the Punjab province under Sharif’s rule [PCP – 5/25/15; SWI – 3/11/13]. Present PML-N government has not only shown its duplicity in Punjab province but exposed at the federal level as well.

After the deadly blasts in two Churches of Yohanabad which killed at least 17 people and around eighty people were injured in the explosions, yet normalcy hasn’t returned. Many families haven’t returned to Youhanbad. The suicide bombings in two churches were timed to cause optimum damage since there were 2000 worshippers present in the Sunday mass. But volunteer security guards and policemen engaged the suicide bombers at the gate at the cost of their own lives. The angry [Christian] mob burned the two [Muslim] suspects who were later found to be innocent. The media devoted more airtime to lynching and the mob’s vandalism than to the aftermath of the bombings. Thus the real image of Christians was forged. We heard Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, addressing the Parliament termed the lynching the “worst form of terrorism.” His outburst prompted the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan to urge the authorities to exercise caution and “avoid giving the impression that they are keen to pursue the killers of the two men than they are in protecting the minority community’s rights against terrorists’ attacks.” No one has ever been punished for all the crimes committed against the Christian community but police have registered terrorism cases against hundreds of the Christians, identified through video footage and photographs of the mob attack. Each night since, said Pastor Ashknaz, plainclothes policemen arrived, “prop up ladders, break down doors and pick up the men on basis of more suspicion.” Residents claimed police have even targeted children. The authorities appear more concerned with Muslim victims than Christian ones.

Another discriminatory behavior from Punjab government is that with a population of 100,000 mostly Christians of Youhanabad are still deprived of the Metro Bus service at Youhanabad station. They use the bus terminal where they face systematic harassment each day. Especially Christian women of the area have been facing harassment after the incident. The very next day, people started pouring out of mosques to avenge the killings; the Muslim mob violence went public, several Christian boys from the area were beaten, allegedly in retaliation to the lynching. A church has also been vandalized, its windows were broken and doors marked with black paint. The attacks may be sporadic, but the fear they cause is very real. Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra and many others are still waiting for justice behind bars. In this cruelty Christian associates of PML-N have join hands with the sitting provincial government. The prominent member gets boots [uncertain meaning?] from the CM Shahbaz Sharif couple of years back [Might reference Sharif’s secret negotiations with Islamic terrorists]. None of the responsible person from the government side has yet visited the heartbroken community.

Now when Interior Minister forced “Save the Children” to shut down its office in the country, then he added many other INGOs to follow strict new licensing procedures. Recently Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan canceled the visas of three Philippine nuns, prompting a lawsuit from the Catholic Church. Express Tribune reported that they were accused of “engaging in employment in violation of their visa category.” The nuns have been working in Pakistan for decades, but now they were told they must leave. Abid Nazir, an attorney said that these nuns are “missionary workers” and have devoted their lives to educating and helping impoverished children in Pakistan. He fears that interior minister has a personal dispute with principal. Nazir said Nisar Ali Khan’s wife used to work as a teacher at the school but resigned in 2011 after the dispute with principal.

Still, the controversy is another example of how Pakistan is again taking a more aggressive stance toward some foreigners trying to work here. When US missionary inquired about a months old travel request, a communications officer said the matter was being held up by the Interior Ministry. Pakistani government is practicing unannounced banned on international missionaries visiting Pakistan just because of personal liking or disliking. The recent crackdown is so surprising; there has been no known trigger for it. During the last visit of Secretary of State John Kerry, said both Pakistani and U S officials have been stressing that relations between two countries have greatly improved.

It’s a mindset of the present government; [viz. the] Interfaith Harmony Ministry is merged and all minority issues are held. This means, there are no minorities’ voice neither in the legislation nor outside the house [See “Government failed to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan”- PCP 2/22/13 and “International Religious Freedom Report for 2011” – U.S. State Dept.]. This government cunningly has sidelined all the minorities’ so called representative in the parliament house. It is noteworthy that if the democratic process in any state has to be checked then one must look at how its minorities are treated. No society can aspire to call itself democratic if it systematically excludes specific groups from the full protection of laws, provision of equal rights and opportunities.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Human Rights Activist, Diplomatic Correspondent, MOFA, Diplomacy, UN, F & S, MOST, PTI and Daily Sama Islamabad (Urdu language)

Shamim’s Blog: http://oiwerk.blogspot.com/

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

_________________

Edited by John R. Houk

All source links and any text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.

© Shamim Masih

Santa Claus doesn’t Visit Pakistan?

Karachi Santa Reuters photo 12-24-14

What is it like for Christians to celebrate Christmas in an Islamic Supremacist nation like Pakistan? Shamim Masih relates the Christmas experience.

JRH 12/26/14

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Santa Claus doesn’t Visit Pakistan?

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 12/26/2014 4:03 AM

ISLAMABAD: December 25^th is a public holiday, but it is in the memory of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the country, not for the celebrations of Christmas. Pakistan has a population over 180 million people and there are around 20 million Christians. Although there [has not been a] census in the country for many years, this is estimated figure given by different Christian organization and churches around. Most of Christians living in [Pakistan] are quite poor. At Christian festivals, like Christmas and Easter, a big procession takes place like in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. Before and during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for Christmas. In many Christian areas, carol singing is performed by various groups. They go from house to house singing carols and in return the family offers something to the choir. Mostly the money collected from such carols is used for charity works or is given to the church. But this trend is gradually fading now due to the wave of terrorism in the country for the last decade.

Christmas is not being celebrated in Pakistan like, in EU or other Christian countries. Especially, when there is a Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) (a political party) come into power. Most of the Pakistani Christians believe that the PML-N mind set is pro-Taliban and they [can] hardly bear Pakistani Christians. And this year they proved it, the government didn’t announce any public holiday for Christians. There remained gas and electricity load shedding schedule in its routine. It means Christians of the country enjoyed Christmas with gas and electricity. On the other hand, a special announcement is being made by the government and special [holiday] packages on Eid ul Fiter [or Fitr – in Pakistan: HERE and HERE] and Eid ul Uzha [or Azha or Adha] (Muslim’s festivals) [are] announced usually. The authorities gave another indication of being second class citizens [i.e. dhimmis] and showed their discriminatory attitude toward Christians of the country.

Anyway, in the big Christians areas, each house is decorated and has a star on the roof. Christians also sometimes exchange Christmas cakes. Churches are packed for midnight or vigil mass services. After the vigil-mass, in some places there are fireworks which start Christmas celebrations. People wear their best and colorful clothes. Some people dance, exchange gifts and enjoy the special night. But this Christmas is embraced in certain parts of Pakistani society, especially among the wealthy and educated. Paradoxically, the country is also seeing an uptick in violence against Christians as some use the country’s controversial “Blasphemy law” to marginalize and oppress their non-Muslim countrymen.

Not everyone is deprived of an opulent holiday feast when it comes to Christmas dinner in Pakistan. The menu reads as if an especially corpulent Santa had [been] providing dinner. Brie and cranberry parcels, roast turkey, gravy, beef, stuffing and mushroom roulade. Spiced pumpkin cheesecake and “Christmas Pie Sundae” complete with orange, almond and whisky sauce cap off dinner for well-connected diplomats and privileged society.

This privileged society simply forget their Christian brothers, [who have] no decorations, no best and colorful clothes. The stench from overflowing half-frozen sewers permeates the small neighborhoods. As a nation, we wear our emotions on our sleeve, given to sudden declarations that fizzle out like the ocean surf. Our tragedies forgotten before the wounds have sealed, we continue desensitized.

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

_______________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Text and links enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.

© Shamim Masih

Pakistani Christians Doomed to Oppression under Islamic Rule of Law

John R. Houk

© June 28, 2014

I started this post as an introduction to Shamim Masih’s latest journalistic contribution about Christian life in Pakistan. My intro became too long ergo I am posting it followed by Shamim’s report entitled “Care for Christians in Pakistan”.

Shamim demands social justice for Pakistan minorities with his emphasis on Pakistan’s Christians. Some of the questions Shamim asks:

Will I be safe today? Do I actually have the right to live freely? Can I walk on my own?

Shamim is typical of Pakistani-Christians. As a Christian he desires religious liberty without oppression. As a Pakistani Shamim is wholly devoted to Pakistan as the nation of his birth – he is a Pakistani patriot.

A lot of Pakistani-Christians because of birth and once experiencing the British legal system prior to 1947, have a difficult time realizing the obvious. As long as Pakistan calls itself a Muslim Republic Christians and all non-Muslims will be second class citizens (Pakistan is a Sunni majority nation so Shi’ites are included in minority discrimination).

Pakistani-Christians look back to Pakistan independence in 1947 (carved away from India with the intention of providing Muslims political security from the Hindu majority of India proper). Pakistan’s founder – Muhammad Ali Jinnah – in speech stumping for independence expressed a desire for a secular Pakistan in which all religions and ethnicities were to be respected. Because of this even the Pakistani-Christians loved Jinnah and his legacy. Due to the nature of Islam, if Jinnah was ever sincere, I doubt he would have succeeded. At any rate the Jinnah legacy lives on among Pakistani-Christians because Jinnah did not live long enough to maintain the original Constitution. After Jinnah’s death in 1948 of lung cancer, Pakistan began to devolve into an Islamic State. Z.A. Bhutto (latter hung in 1979) expressly began to use Islam as a unifier of the Sunni Muslim ethnicities of Pakistan followed by the Quran and Sharia Law becoming the standard of the rule of law. It is my opinion as long as the rule of law is based on Islam, Christians are doomed to be persecuted and marginalized in Pakistan.

JRH 6/28/14 [Please scroll toward the end to view Shamim’s donation info]

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Care for Christians in Pakistan

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 6/28/2014 12:58 PM

ISLAMABAD: Social evil is one of the most brutal and biggest curses to any nation which plays the vital role in the destruction of the society in any country or state. Pakistan is amongst one of those countries which are facing various disparaging social evils which have affected the law and order situation in the country, national harmony and peace.

Will I be safe today? Do I actually have the right to live freely? Can I walk on my own? These are just some questions every Pakistani asks himself every day. But as a religious minority member, I feel 200% insecure [more] than Sunni Muslims. There has been an unprecedented number heinous acts committed against religious minorities lately, whether it be violence, blasphemy, rape cases. Justice is still pending for countless cases in the country and the state has failed to deliver what is promised since independence – equality and justice for all. Development is not mere statistics based on only economic growth. What position does Pakistan have, when the cries of the minorities are stifled and the meek are silenced? On one hand we boast of a nation and its unity in diversity and on the other hand religious minorities has no voice of their own. They are merely shunted to the periphery for the society.

Sometimes I feel nothing can stir the consciousness of the people. We live in a materialistic era where money presides over the social issues, our own humanity. We all suffer from the ostrich syndrome. We think nothing is wrong till we start suffering. We fail to push forward the need for a change, a revolution.

September 22, 2013, witnessed the most brutal act that created ripples of protest all over the world. Twin explosions at All Saints Church in Peshawar killed more than 80 people and wounded over 100 others. The heinous act was strongly condemned in Pakistan and the world as well. Many houses in Joseph Colony, Lahore were set ablaze including two churches. I thought that the leaders and police would have more empathy for the sufferings of the weaker segment of the society. Finally the Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto [Latin Literally translated, it means “on its own motion,” and the term generally refers to a situation wherein a judge acts without request by either party to the action before the court – in Pakistan] action and the Supreme Court of Pakistan has brought smiles on the faces of the poor strata of the society.

The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan ordered the federal government to form a national council of minorities’ rights for protection of minority rights and ensuring religious harmony. The order further stated that those responsible for religious hate speech on social media must be brought to justice and children who face harassment at their schools because of their religious beliefs should be protected. The apex court also ordered the formation of a special force to protect of worship. [Blog Editor: Pakistan SC 32 page in pdf and in English]

Chief Justice (CJ) Tassaduq Hussain Jilani ordered federal and provincial governments to meet a quota of minorities in employments in all services. The court asked the registrar to form a three-member bench to ensure the order is carried out. The new bench will also take up any cases related to the abuse of minorities. The said rulings were made in the detailed judgment on a suo moto case pertaining to the suicide bombing attack on a church in Peshawar in September, 2013.

Although the CJ has ordered the formation of a National Council of Minority Rights the fact is – extremism is on the rise and especially when blasphemy laws are still on the statute book. If we observe the past practice of the government, it is difficult to say whether government will take interest immediately to implement the order. The past practice is minority faith groups including Christians, are frequently targeted and the misuse of the blasphemy laws in particular has been blamed for increasing inter-religious tensions across the country. And Pakistan was also named the sixth most violent place for Christians to live by leading persecution charity Open Doors. [Blog Editor: Actually the Open Doors WWL has Pakistan at number 8. I am guessing Shamim’s source for 6^th as a persecutor of Christians comes from Carey Lodge writing ChristianToday.com.]

Pakistani Christians have welcomed the CJ orders but ground reality is totally different. We’ve viewed the past practice of the Pakistani government and society, in this situation we can only hope that after clear and cogent instruction from the CJ, the Pakistani government especially during the PML-N ruling takes positive steps towards making minorities feel secure in the country.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

__________________________

Pakistani Christians Doomed to Oppression under Islamic Rule of Law

John R. Houk

© June 28, 2014

_______________________

Care for Christians in Pakistan

Shamim’s report is an edited version by John R. Houk

All links and text enclosed brackets are from 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 of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

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.

FOR USD TRANSFER.
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Intermediary Bank SWIFT BIC: MSHQUS33
Beneficiary Bank: JS BANK LIMITED
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Title Of a/c Shamim Masih
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Self – Esteem and Dignity lies in Mutual Respect

Farrukh H Saif of World Vision in Progress (WVIP) has been accused of doing something nefarious to the Pakistan Christian community. In the article below Shamim does not provide any detail but only writes:

“I quote; the shameful act some Pakistani people did against the chief of World Vision in Progress (WVIP); Farrukh H Saif. I guess and believe that it is fabricated and planned against his organization and his family. … And this act by some duffer [Blogger Editor: I am guessing a “duffer” is a common British term – It means “An incompetent or stupid person, especially an elderly one”] not only is a try to defame him only, but the entire community involved in helping Christians in the country. He said neither he has any affiliation with PML-N and nor can [he] go against the Christians of the country. …”

Shamim’s article is a character defense of Farrukh H. Saif who is the Executive Director of the Pakistan WVIP. The only negative I could find on Farrukh H Saif via Google is a WVIP notification denying they are “…against the Pakistani Christian Asylum Seekers” who fled Muslim violence to Bangkok Thailand. Since the context of Shamim’s story incorporates the political party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The Wikipedia write-up on PML-N labels the party a Center-Right coalition. Pakistani Christians tend to question just how “Center” the PML-N is. An Op-Ed by Nazir S Bhatti I found in the Pakistan Christian Post profoundly writes the reasons for Christians and other non-Muslim Pakistanis to distrust the agenda of PML-N.

JRH 6/2/14

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Self – Esteem and Dignity lies in Mutual Respect

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 6/1/2014 11:24 PM

ISLAMABAD: Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate themselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation knows the basis of our self-worth – our identity. Evaluating yourself by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God’s eyes.

Many Christian activists are working in this arena; some have a solid background and support. While others pretend but actually are playing blame games. This is the point which disgraces and creates ambiguity among our Pakistani Christian among West. I am aware of most but not all the activists and groups I noted trying to uplift lives of Christians in Pakistan. Who begin with good intentions but don’t always follow through once larger sums start coming in. This is sad that some Pakistanis seem to work against each other and this is what the West sees so does not feel able to trust or believe unity is possible to move the cause forward and support it.

I quote; the shameful act some Pakistani people did against the chief of World Vision in Progress (WVIP); Farrukh H Saif. I guess and believe that it is fabricated and planned against his organization and his family. To my knowledge and [what I have] seen [of] his work for the last couple of years, he is not this kind of person. Whatever his past is I [don’t] care, but [for] now he has saved hundreds of lives of innocent Pakistani Christians who [are] caught under the false cases. Farrukh is the leading person from the Pakistani Christian community who is currently working for the persecuted Christians in the Islamic world. And this act by some duffer not only is a try to defame him only, but the entire community involved in helping Christians in the country. He said neither he has any affiliation with PML-N and nor can [he] go against the Christians of the country. Pakistani Christians are dear to me and I love them and serve them beyond [the] horizon, he added.

Farrukh himself denied and condemns this shameful and cowardly act and urged those people to stop doing cunning [exploitation] and work honestly for the betterment of Pakistani Christians. Instead sitting in different countries and enjoy a luxurious life in the name of poor Pakistani Christians. He also warned and cautioned to take strict measures against the people involved in it.

___________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Brackets indicate text added 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 of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

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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My killer is my judge

We Christians need to pray for the Christians of Pakistan. Muslims commit acts of violence against the Pakistani-Christian community with impunity. Those Christians affected by violent persecution then are subject to criminal persecution as well as the few Christians that have escaped Muslim violence. The criminal persecution is legal in Pakistan and that surrounds Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws. The Blasphemy Law is used as a false accusation tool against Christians to settle disputes between Christians and Muslims AND to cease the property of the few Christians that are owners.

Below Shamim Masih writes with the gloom Christians face in Pakistan. I can read between the lines in Shamim’s report to understand this gloom is taking a toll on him as well.

JRH 5/30/14

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Mera Qatil he mera munsif hy

(My killer is my judge)

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 5/29/2014 4:32 PM

ISLAMABAD: The threat matrix for Pakistan religious minorities has changed radically now after the Pakistan Muslim League (N) came in power. There was numerous blasphemy cases registered in the Punjab province during the rule [of the] PML-N regime in the past and the same practice [goes] on. A Christian family including children and women were burnt alive and the Christian colony was set ablaze in Gojra city in 2009. In the province of Punjab, Sangla Hill and Joseph Colony, Lahore; the same practice [was] seen, blasphemy cases were registered for their vested interests but no action is being taken against the forged complainants.

This is not the end, as soon as the PML-N government came to power in the federal [government], Islamabad slum settlements were cautioned to vacate and were considered [as] encroachment. The inhabitants [have been] there for four decades. Now officials in the capital of Punjab province, Agency, along with the police from different stations reached at the Katchi abadi [i.e. the slums] in Qaziabad and Gulshan-i-Ravi with bulldozers and excavators in the early morning. The workers began demolishing houses amid cries of women and children. The Punjab government seems in a hurry now to crush the Christians during their rule. The colony was reportedly built some 40 years ago and during the Nawaz Sharif’s first government, he then promised them that no one would force them to leave their houses. But during his rule he has lifted them all. In recent past; the Islamabad High Court’s Justice Shaoukat Aziz Siddique had directed Capital Development Authority (CDA) to clear the slum settlements from the Capital, Islamabad. Let me give you [some] Urdu poetry: Mera qatil he mira munsif hy, kia mery haq mein faisla dy ga (My killer is my judge, will he decide anything in my favor).

The case is not related to Christians only but others are suffering too. A university professor was entangled in a blasphemy case and his attorney was killed. A blasphemy case was registered against 65 protesters in his favor. Shaista Wahidi (Geo TV anchor), her TV owner and two partakers had to flee from the country due to this reason [i.e. the Blasphemy charge]. A man in a small district, Shariq pur; accused in blasphemy case was killed during his judicial investigation. A foreign national non-Muslim doctor was killed during his visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan is a country where the majority of its population is living below poverty the line. Unemployment, poverty, illiteracy and terrorism are common problems. But religious minorities face discriminatory laws and other issues as well. Christians in the country stand nowhere, if [they] live along seasonal drainage or a katchi abadi, it is considered encroachments. If [a Christian] takes a sip of water, they are considered untouchable and sent to jail for life imprisonment. [This] is the basic reason with Asia Bibi [who] has been suffering for years. Lahore High Court is hanging her case hearing with a lame-less excuse. Another pregnant woman was killed right under the nose of Lahore High Court, Lahore. The law and order situation is beyond control.

The problem with Pakistani Christians is unity. Fortunately or unfortunately; they are all born leaders and do not want to sit with others. I personally feel this is basic reason of their sufferings. During the last two decades; the Hindu minority have proven that they are the largest minority in the country. None of Christian parliamentarians has spoken even a single word for their favor in NA. There are two mummies seen who [are] always seen roaming about here and there during the session in the recent one year.

Unfortunately we don’t have any national level regular platform to highlight the issues. The national papers and private TV channels don’t give ample space for Pakistani Christians’ issues. Although there are some private TV channels running under Christian religious administration but again I would say, these people have made it family ownership and promoting their families instead raising real cause and issues Christians are facing and we can’t highlight the actual issues. Their agenda is totally different.

Religious leaders and social activists are running for their vested interests. Many Christian families are suffering in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. UNHCR is not paying heed to these asylum seekers. They have reportedly paid in hundred thousand [Blog Editor: I am unsure if Shamim is talking in terms of dollars, rupees or people] for immigration. Most of the Christians are shifting to other countries and the rest do not find any future in the country. Are we equal citizen; If not should we stand for our rights?

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

__________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Content enclosed in brackets is from 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 of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

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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Blasphemy Law in Pakistan Slaughtered another Accused

Sawan Masih – Framed for Breaking Blasphemy Law

Here is Shamim Masih with another report of Muslims persecuting Christians by using Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws to manipulate a Muslim hidden agenda.

JRH 3/28/14

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Blasphemy Law in Pakistan Slaughtered another Accused

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 3/27/2014 12:30 PM

ISLAMABAD: During the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League (N), Joseph Colony was the second incident [Muslims attacking Christians] in the province Punjab. Earlier a Christian colony in Gojra was set in ablaze and a family was burnt alive. In Joseph Colony, there were no casualties in the Christian community during this incident but around 200 house dwellings, two churches and many shops were burnt including found Holy Bible and Holy books belonging to Christians.

The blasphemy suspect was identified as Sawan Masih 26 years of age. Police took him into custody and placed him on judicial remand. After a year of the case trial, Sawan Masih is reportedly been given the death sentence by the trial judge. What about those who burnt Bibles and holy Books of the Christians?

On March 09, 2013, a highly charged mob of a few thousand Muslims set ablaze around the 200 houses, shops and two churches of this more than 50 years old locality over the allegation of blasphemy against Sawan Masih. The violent mob, locals say, asked the Christian community to hand over the accused to them or get ready for the consequences. The mob burned their houses after looting all [the Christians’] valuables from almost every house, they said.

The Government has given reasonable financial compensation, but the scars are still there. Now Sawan Masih becomes another victim of the blasphemy law in the country.

Actually Sawan Masih (accused) [Blog Editor: Initial Shamim report] and Shahid Imran (complainant) were friends for the last ten years and the complainant used to run his stall in front of the colony. The residents claimed that local influential traders wanted to vacate the colony and turned it into godams (stores) to expand their business.

Furrakh H Saif, chief of World Vision in Progress (WVIP) considers it a kangaroo justice with the victims of blasphemy law. He said that judges are biased and are under pressure from Islamists. In its routine order, they will soon award death sentences to Shagufta with her husband Shafaqat and Pastor Adnan, he added.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

_____________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Brackets edited content by 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 of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

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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Ethnic Prejudice

Pakistan’s government institutions are as culpable of Christian persecution as the radical Muslim Islamic Supremacists. Shamim Masih reports there is a government design of urban renewal targeting Christians of the Capital city Islamabad living in slums. Urban renewal may sound like progress but the ultimate result will make Pakistani Christians already dwelling tenuously in Islamabad’s slums a displaced people of homeless individuals.

JRH 3/23/14

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Ethnic Prejudice

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 3/22/2014 10:19 AM

ISLAMABAD: Slum dwellers of Islamabad live in the poverty line, they lack the basic necessities of life such as health, education and shelter. They live in houses made of mud and some of them are a mixture of bricks and mud. Around 10 percent of them live in houses made of cement and bricks. Many of the houses are made in a way they can be easily flooded with rain. Houses consist of a single room which fulfills the requirement of a bed room, kitchen and a dining room as well. The electricity supply is pathetic in the area. There is an unavailability of purified water and an open drainage [sewage] system. Clearly this shows that hygiene is maintained in the area at a zero level.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) carried out a detailed survey of the capital to gather the data of the slums. With [this data collection the CDA] has decided to demolish at least a dozen slums in Islamabad but did not mention any resettlement plan or compensation for the helpless dwellers. According to the sources on the direction of CDA chairman, notices had been issued to the slum dwellers of sectors G-7/1, G-7/2, G-7/3, G-8/1, F-7/4 and F-6 to vacate their houses. The CDA has asked for help from IESCO, SNGPL and FIA to help it carry out a grand operation against the dwellers in Islamabad. Sources informed that the slum dwellers who reside in the slums of G-7/1, G-7/2, G-7/3, G-8/1, H-11/4, F-7/4 and F-6 have been warned through public notices the slums would be demolished between March 24 and April 30, 2014. According to the notice, the CDA would demolish all these structures and the dwellers would be responsible for any sort of risk involved.

The leftist community of the capital city has announced this operation as an attack on the fundamental rights of thousands of working-class people who live in the capital’s slums. Nazir S Bhatti chief of Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC) strongly condemned this action and is determined to strongly resist the CDA’s plan. He said that Christians are being singled out in part because of ethnic prejudice. While CDA Estate member Shaista Sohail said that the civic agency had been directed by the ministry of interior to clear the illegally occupied lands from the slum dwellers, particularly to lessen security risks. It is to be noted that the Islamabad High Court’s Justice Shoukat Aziz Siddique had directed CDA to clear the slum settlements from the capital within a month in order to ensure the security of the city.

The human rights activist Basharat Khokhar visited CDA senior management and was assured by the CDA officials to provide foolproof security to slum dweller Christians of the capital. Amir Ahmad Ali – member admin – assured that the CDA is not going to demolish any Christian katchi abadi in the capital.

Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar has led the charge for a crackdown. He singled the katchi abadis out as possible militant havens soon after his party, the Pakistan Muslim League (PML- N) came to power last summer. It is pertinent to mention here that most of the inhabitants in these slums are Christians who have lived in these slums in deplorable conditions for a long time. Shamim Masih (secretary information PCC) said that the CDA has different policies for working class people living in the slums and those living in the superior sectors of the capital.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

_________________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Bracketed content is added 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 of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

Shamim Masih’s Donate/Support info:

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Leaders fear more violence against Christians

Intro: Leaders fear more violence against Christians

John R. Houk

Evidently the last election cycle in Pakistan has placed a government in place that will increase the yoke of bondage among Pakistani Christians. Christian leaders in Pakistan are so fearful of the situation that they are exploring possibilities for a Christian exodus to nations in which Christianity predominates. In my mind that means Western nations and probably the USA is at the top of that list.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) political party came to power after the recent 2013 elections in Pakistan. The Party leader Nawaz Sharif apparent Islamic religious views fall to the purist (i.e. Radical Islam) side of Islam. This means religious minorities in Pakistan can expect a rough ride because of this. Since Christians are often viewed as the lowest form of existence among Pakistani minorities that means Believers in the Resurrection and accompanying Salvation in Christ Jesus have a target for persecution and exploitation on their heads in Pakistan.

Check out this excerpt from Martin Barillas writing for Spero News about Pakistani Christians:

After the recent elections that brought to power the “Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz” (PML-N) party and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, many Christians are skeptical. In a recent conference held in Lahore, a group of Christian leaders said that Pakistani Christians are worried about the future.

Among their concerns is the prosection (sic) of Pakistan’s Muslim blasphemy laws, which are often used to persecute Christian minorities. Nadeem Anthony, a Christian lawyer, told the Fides news agency, “The majority of Christians do not have high hopes in Sharif’s future government because of his religious conservative approach and links with fundamentalist groups. Sharif was also in favor of the blasphemy law, which is a major cause of problems for Christians in Pakistan,” he recalls.

…

Christians note that perpetrators of anti-Christian violence apparently act with impunity in the majority Muslim country. Following the 2009 affray [SlantRight Editor: See this Christianity Today article to see what happened in 2009], only 17 people were charged with murder and another 113 charges with aiding in the massacre. All were released within a few months. “The witnesses were systematically intimidated and silenced,” said Peter Jacob of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan. (Read Entirety; 6/3/13)

Shamim Masih is a Pakistani Christian journalist in Pakistan. He shares the underlying fears growing among Pakistani Christians because the PML-N in the 2013 elections.

JRH 6/4/13

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Leaders fear more violence against Christians

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 6/3/2013 2:03 PM

Lahore: Joseph Francis, International Director, CLAAS, said in a press conference here today that Pakistani Christians are in great fear to face more violence and torture during the next government of PML-N.

In the press conference at Lahore Press Club, Joseph Francis said that “we are afraid that during the PML-N rule, Pakistani Christians will face more violence as they have faced similar situation in the past during PML-N government. Gojra, Korian and Joseph Colony incidents were being planned by the fanatics and supported by PML-N leadership”, he alleged.

Talking to the media, Martin Javed Michel blamed that Joseph Colony incident was backed by PML-N leaders Malik Riaz, Chaudhry Shehbaz, Dr. Asad Ashraf, Ghazali Saleem Butt and Mushtaq Mughal and it was reported to the police as well. “But unfortunately, Premier Mian Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif have not taken any notice against them and the same leaders are in the ruling elite and will create more problems for Christians“. He said, “we are Pakistanis since our forefathers and have been faithful to the country but unluckily, since partition, we are being treated as second class citizen“. “If the situation remains same as it seems, then Pakistani Christians will be forced to leave the country as Hindu community left for India in the recent past“, he feared.

Joseph Francis, working for the victims for the last two decades has requested the foreign countries like Australia, Canada, America and European Union to open their gates for Pakistani Christians. He demanded the Christian countries to provide shelter for the Pakistani Christians as they are not safe in Pakistan. India opened their gates for Hindu fellows why can’t Christian counties do the same for Christians, he demanded. He demanded Chief Justice of Pakistan to form a Commission for fact finding of the Joseph Colony incident and culprits should be punished.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

________________________

Intro: Leaders fear more violence against Christians

John R. Houk

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Leaders fear more violence against Christians

Shamim Masih

Christian Rights Activist
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