65 Christians attacked on Christmas Eve!

From left to right Xavier William, Mehboob Alam and Pastor Naveed John

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A dispute over land ownership saw 65 Christians attacked in a reported faith hate attack in Pakistan on the 24th December. The incident took place at Kalar Kahar approximately 125 km from Islamabad.

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Wilson Chowdhry Vice Chair of the BPCA c described the situation as "a despicable act of violence based on parochial religious prejudice"

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Our Pakistan correspondent Xavier Williams described the incident at a press conference held at a community hall, near Sir Syed Chowk (sic):

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"On 25th June 2009, the Government of Pakistan allotted a piece of land to the local Christian community to build a Church next to the Motorway at Kalar Kahar. The transfer letter and the allotment letter were given to the local Pastor Naveed John. Pastor John raised enough money for the boundary wall, which was started immediately."

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Purportedly, by the 4th December 2009, the Church committee has raised enough finance via external funding and donations, to start laying a foundation for the proposed church. Construction work started, however progress was halted on the 6th December by protesting Muslims. The construction workers were threatened with dire consequences - if they chose to continue.

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Pastor Naveed John explained how he arrived at the construction site to ameliorate the situation. He showed the protesting group the official papers confirming ownership of the property and permission to build. This temporarily deterred the protestation until 2 days latter a larger group of the Islamic fundamentalists came and again threatened the workers.

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Xavier spoke of how the Church Committee contacted the local police for assistance and filed a complaint. This resulted in 5 armed policemen providing temporary protection to the site and it's workers. Despite the protection of the Police after a few days the same mob returned and the Police stood down allowing the mob to attack the workers.

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In the press conference Pastor Naveed alleged that he had sent a complaint to the DCO who to date had failed to respond. He went on to describe how on the 24th December 2009 the church congregation were gathered at the Church site for worship. Again a mob gathered and attacked the worshipers, causing injury to around 65 Women and Children. Pastor Naveed said;

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"The young men tried to protect the women and Children, but couldn't stop them as they were armed."

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Pastor Naveed John then stated that he had called the DCO and once again they have not responded. Moreover, the local police refused to file a First Incident Report (FIR).

Mr. Xavier the BPCA correspondent in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack and immediately demanded an FIR. He has asked the Chief Minister to order the arrest of the culprits and provide protection to the Christians. Mr. Xavier warned;

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"If the FIR is not registered in next 24 hours, I will gather Christians across Pakistan for a Country-wide protest and we will march to the PM and the President."

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Xavier William explained that the 25th December if the Official birthday celebration of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam. He stated that he believed that all Pakistanis irrespective of faith should work towards a better Pakistan. Xavier spoke starkly about religious inequalities;

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"Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-a-Azam talked about the equal rights of the Minorities, but the minorities in Pakistan don't have equal rights."

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Mr. Mehboob Alam another member of the Local press conference warned that violence against Christians in the Punjab, in particular is growing. He asked the Punjab Government to "wake up and take action to protect the life and property of the Christians".

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Mr Alam described the disappointment at the media for not covering this violent attack against vulnerable Christians.

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Everyday, I am reporting new atrocities just when will any succour be granted to the vulnerable minorities in Pakistan. I am in favour of a Pakistan-wide protest and if it can be organised, I ant to be a part of the process. I believe we should set a date for such action and if other brothers are willing to start the planning I believe we should secure Saturday the 3rd of April as the day for a countrywide Protest.

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Easter is on April the 4th 2010 and I will be in Pakistan. It is also transpires that this is my Birthday, irrespective of this, however, the fact that on Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead - sets this day apart as a day that signifies new life. If any churches or Pastors in Pakistan, wish to get involved in a Major protest on the 3rd, I ask that you contact me as soon as possible. By working together we will really highlight the persecution that minority faith groups have to undergo in Pakistan. Perhaps our increased activity in recent times, will finally see an end to first and second class citizenship in Pakistan. I will speak to Xavier and the PCC personally on this matter.

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Don't forget our global protest to be held on the 31st of July, I am still looking for partner organisations from every country. I believe, I will have a confirmation from Canada very soon.