God saves

The Lord Jesus truly saves. He holds the breath of every human being in His mighty Hands.
The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit know what they do in this world rendered chaotic by man who rejects the God of the bible.
There is fear, abuse, terror, poverty, tears, screams but God is still at work, majestic, magnificent and above all magnanimous: the Cross proves it!
Please do come to the Lord Jesus. Confess your sins! He will give you freedom and eternal life!

Pakistan's abysmal religious tolerance score

By Knox Thames Tuesday, April 30, 2013 - 2:49 PM

Today, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) issued its 2013 Annual Report, focusing on Pakistan and 28 other countries around the world, including Afghanistan.  As an independent U.S. government advisory body separate from the State Department, USCIRF's Annual Report identifies violations of religious freedom, as defined by international conventions, and provides policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress. 

Based on our monitoring over the past year, we have concluded that the situation in Pakistan is one of the worst in the world. 

The report found that "sectarian and religiously-motivated violence is chronic, especially against Shi'a Muslims, and the government has failed to protect members of religious minority communities, as well as the majority faith."  An array of repressive laws, including the much abused blasphemy law and religiously discriminatory anti-Ahmadi laws, foster an atmosphere of violent extremism and vigilantism.  The growth of militant groups espousing a violent religious ideology that undertake attacks impact all Pakistanis and threatens the country's security and stability. 

In the face of increasing attacks against Shi'as and consistent violence against other minorities, Pakistani authorities have failed to provide protection and have not consistently brought perpetrators to justice or taken action against societal actors who incite violence. 

In light of these particularly severe violations, USCIRF recommends that Pakistan be designated a "country of particular concern," or CPC, by the U.S. Department of State for these systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.  The CPC designation is a special blacklist created when Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed in 1998 the International Religious Freedom Act. Unlike some other ‘blacklists,' the CPC designation does not carry any specific penalties for the countries on the list. What it does do is assign a framework through which U.S. officials can encourage the designated country's government to address the egregious violations of religious freedom.  This can come in the form of a binding roadmap of agreed actions, a waiver, or punitive steps if progress is lacking.

Countries currently named by the State Department include: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Uzbekistan. Pakistan represents the worst situation in the world for religious freedom for countries not currently designated as "countries of particular concern," and USCIRF has concluded it overwhelmingly meets the threshold established in the Act. 

The facts speak for themselves.  As the report states:

The Pakistani government failed to effectively intervene against a spike in targeted violence against the Shi'a Muslim minority community, as well as violence against other minorities.  With elections scheduled for May 2013, additional attacks against religious minorities and candidates deemed "unIslamic" will likely occur. Chronic conditions remain, including the poor social and legal status of non-Muslim religious minorities and the severe obstacles to free discussion of sensitive religious and social issues faced by the majority Muslim community.  The country's blasphemy law, used predominantly in Punjab province but also nationwide, targets members of religious minority communities and dissenting Muslims and frequently results in imprisonment.  USCIRF is aware of at least 16 individuals on death row and 20 more serving life sentences.  The blasphemy law, along with anti-Ahmadi laws that effectively criminalize various practices of their faith, has created a climate of vigilante violence.  Hindus have suffered from the climate of violence and hundreds have fled Pakistan for India.  Human rights and religious freedom are increasingly under assault, particularly women, members of religious minority communities, and those in the majority Muslim community whose views deemed "un-Islamic." The government has proven unwilling or unable to confront militants perpetrating acts of violence against other Muslims and religious minorities. 

Designating Pakistan as a CPC would make religious freedom a key element in the bilateral relationship and start a process to encourage Islamabad to undertake needed reforms. 

There are a range of issues that should be on the bilateral agenda, whether or not Pakistan is designated a CPC. The U.S. government should include discussions on religious freedom and religious tolerance in U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogues and summits, as well as urge Pakistan to protect religious minorities from violence and actively prosecute those committing acts of violence against Shi'as, Ahmadis, Christians, Hindus, and others; unconditionally release individuals currently jailed for blasphemy; repeal or reform the blasphemy law; and repeal anti-Ahmadi laws.   The United States can also highlight to the new government how the Federal Ministry for National Harmony is an institution unique among other nations, and maintaining it would keep a partner to discuss ways to promote religious tolerance and freedom.  For sure, none of these are easy, so naming as a CPC would cut through the distractions and help create the political will to act.
The situation in Pakistan is acute, with the increasing violence against diverse religious communities and a system of laws that violate human rights.  With a new government soon coming to power, there is a unique opportunity to work together to confront these threats to Pakistan.  At the same time, negative pressures could tilt the new government in the wrong direction.  For instance, the Pakistani Taliban's targeting of "secular politicians" could give traction to their offer from late 2012 to cease violence in exchange for constitutional amendments to install their religious vision over the country. The CPC process would support Pakistanis who want a better future for their country and counterbalance these pressures -- if the Pakistani government fails to address these issues concretely, penalties could follow after a CPC designation. 
The United States is Pakistan's only friend that has the heft and desire to encourage it to tackle these difficult challenges.  For sure, the U.S.-Pakistani relationship is complicated and designating a CPC would likely complicate things further.  However, to protect all Pakistanis, these issues cannot be ignored and must be confronted and addressed.  

Redbridge Easter Parade Survey

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UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion on belief shares views on Global persecution

Mr Heiner Bielefeldt - United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide organised a event at the London School of Economics (Thursday 25th April 2013)  at which the special rapporteur of Religious freedom for the United Nations, described his work and the ongoing persecution faced by religious minorities globally.  Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA was invited to attend.

During his lecture to the humanitarian groups and academics present, MR Heiner Bielefeldt was asked about whether he believed that secular states within the Western world - where religious freedom is seen to be prevalent - was a direct consequence of the more egalitarian concepts within Christianity, the dominant religion in this region.  He said;

"No, such freedoms have been conflict-driven"  and described the nature of the protestant reforms and the sacrifices made by so many, against the tyranny imposed by zealots within Europe, that has led to modern day pluralistic societies with acceptance of 'Other' faiths.  

Wilson Chowdhry said;

"Mr Bielefeldt proved to be a well informed and passionate advocate for justice.  During a conversation with him after the event, he intimated real concern at the ongoing maltreatment of 'Minorities' living in Pakistan. He has agreed to read our recent report termed "the Targeting of Minority 'Others' in Pakistan" and we  have duly sent him a copy to review."

Wilson added;

"The non-attribution of equality in the west to the Christian faith was a pivotal moment in the discussion.  It was impressive that MR Bielefedlt enunciated this in a Christian led event and in so doing, provided a glimmer of hope for Pakistan.  Pakistan now enters a phase of politics unbeknown to them, where they may for the first time in their history observe two consecutive democratic governments.  It will take strong reformists and committed politicians much like Britain's famous Oliver Cromwell (of old), to bring about the necessary change to create a fairer society.  Let's hope that the electorate alter their usual voting patterns next month during Pakistan's General elections.  If they ignore tribal allegiances and opt for candidates with strong manifestos focused on delivering a more conscientious society, this could be the first step to a more desirable Pakistan."

Professor Heiner Bielefeldt was appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief in 2010. He is a German philosopher, historian and theologian who studied at Bonn University, Tübingen University and the University of Bremen. He is Professor of Human Rights and Human Rights Policy at the University of Erlangen. From 2003 to 2009, Bielefeldt served as Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, which monitors the human rights situation inside Germany. Since 2009, Bielefeldt has served as professor in the newly created Chair of Human Rights and Human Rights Policy at the University of Erlangen. He has published widely in academic journals, most recently with Human Rights Quarterly and the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion.

Wilson Chowdhry and Matthew Jones from CSW.

Wilson with the Special Rapporteur.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office response to letter and petition submitted for Shahbaz Bhatti Peace rally on 3rd March, 2013

MP's of Holland consider special status for Christian Asylum Seekers from Pakistan

Mehran Baluch (Representative of Ethnic Baluch Communities) and Wilson Chowdhry (BPCA), key experts describe persecution in Pakistan.

Dutch MP's offered to consider special status for Christian asylum seekers and refugees fleeing extremism in Pakistan, after hearing a report from Wilson Chowdhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association on Tuesday 16th April 2013.

The special procedure meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch House of representatives, was presided over by MP Pieter Omtzigt, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Christian Democratic Party, after a request from Mosa Zaher of London based NGO New East Observatory.

During the one hour public meeting an adress was also made by Mehran Baluch, Representative of Ethnic Baluch Communities, detailing the kidnap and murder of many Baluchistani dissidents calling for sovereignty of the Baluchistani state which they believe to have been occupied territory since 1948.

During the discussion following the original opening statements by the two experts, MP's asked how their Government might assist suffering minorities in Pakistan.  Wilson Chowdhry called for MP's to set clauses linked to foreign aid budgets, to lever change in the existing poor human rights record of Pakistan.  Currently Holland contributes £20 million to Pakistan.

Wilson Chowdhry asked for MP's to conduct some unsupervised visits to Pakistan, as he felt that supervised visits co-ordinated by the Pakistan Government, inexorably resulted in rose-tinted perceptions, of the quality of life for minorities living there.

MP Pieter Omtzigt replied;  "I have visited Pakistan on a visiting visa, and am aware of the real situation faced by Christians." MP Omtzigt  continued to describe the squalour and maltreatment of Christians, he met during that revealing visit to various Christian institutions.  He asked the BPCA to provide a potential list of groups that might be visited during future visits.

Wilson Chowdhry sought special status for Pakistani Christian asylum seekers to Holland, during his report where he described the controversial reluctance for Austrlia and the UK's Border Agency to accept such applications.  MP Omtzigt replied that Holland had recently approved special status for homosexual and Ahmadiyyah Asylum applications and asked for a copy of the BPCA's recent full report on "targeting of Minority 'Others' in Pakistan.  The report will be used to guide Dutch Parliamentarians in a debate on the worthiness of such policy.

The BPCA has already emailed an electronic copy of our report to MP Omtzigt, in response to the request.

After the meeting Wilson Chowdhry said;

"Pakistani authorities have failed to protect vulnerable minorities, the human rights performance of the country has reached a nadir. Despite foreign aid support from several western nations palpable change is non-existent.  The only tangible lever for change western nations have within their political armoury, is the linking of foreign aid budget with clauses that require visible and transparent improvements in the quality of life for Pakistani minorities.  I hope our meeting with Dutch Parliamentarians results in such policy, if not we will all be revisiting the same concerns frequently in the future."

He added:

"Our comprehensive report on persecution in Pakistan is over 500 pages long.  It has been meticulously written and one third of the report is dedicated to the suffering of the Christian Minority.  We firmly believe that the content validates a need for special status for asylum cases from Pakistani Christians.  We have sent a copy to MP Omtzigt and pray that during their debate on such policy, preferred status will be adopted by Holland."

A live stream video for the discussion can be viewed here:

(Click here)

Dutch MP's spoke of concern about the treatment of Christians and other Minorities in Pakistan.

Wilson called for special status for Christian Asylum Seekers fleeing  Pakistan

Mosa Zaher (Near East Observatory), Wilson Chowdhry, Mehran Baluch and Paulo Casaca (South Asian Democratic Forum)

Dutch Parliamentarians keen to learn about Minority persecution in Pakistan.

Dutch Parliamentarians and Civil servants will be addressed on the human rights violations of ethnic minorities in Pakistan on Tuesday 16th April 2013.

A London Based Group the "Near East Observatory" organised the public meeting, after a series of recent extremist attacks on innocent communities in Pakistan, including the razing of 200 homes and 2 churches in the town of Badami Bagh (9th March 2013).

Mr Pieter Omtzigt, MP and foreign affairs spokesperson of the Christian Democrats, will receive,  two experts, including Wilson Chowdhry; Chairman of the BPCA and Mehran Baluch; Representative of Ethnic Baluch Communities, during a special procedure of the foreign affairs committee of the Dutch House of Representatives.    The meeting is open to public and the BPCA's trip has been funded by the South Asian Democratic Forum.

Wilson Chowdhry of the BPCA said;

"We are grateful for this opportunity to raise concerns about ongoing human rights violations against minorities in Pakistan, with the decision makers for the Nation of Holland.  We hope that our evidence will assist the Dutch government in pursuing a dialogue with Pakistan, that will eventually improve the quality of life for minorities living there."

He added;

"A report we produced, convinced the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to reassess the manner in which they view Asylum and refugees cases relating to Christians fleeing Pakistan.  If  decision makers in Holland follow suit, much needed succour could be provided to many suffering victims."

Below are hyperlinks to the work undertaken with the Canadian IRB, including further hyperlinks to a series of reports produced by the Canadian IRB on Pakistan:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/canadian-government-agency-to-use-bpca.html

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/bpca-report-to-help-canada-save-lives.html