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Thursday 30 June 2011

Road sweeper killed in a callous attack after failing to sweep front of a business premises!

Image from funeral of Abbas Masih

Watson from Denmark has provided us with a rather disturbing story, in which a road sweeper from Lahore, was stabbed to death simply for failing to clean the front of a home.  The diabolical attack is purported to have occurred at approximately 16:00 on the 21st May.  The victim a Mr Abbas Masih (36 years) is said to have been in the middle of his road sweeping chores, when he was accosted by an irate Muslim man who was offended by the rubbish before his shop and wanted it cleared up immediately.

Abbas Masih is said to have made a simple request to the shop owner for some patience while he completed the task area he was working at.  He offered to clear out his garbage cart after which he would be willing to serve the shop owner by resolving the matter of litter around the shop area. 

The shopkeeper began shouting and according to Watson Gill he shouted:

"How dare you argue with me!"

In a fit of rage the shopkeeper then picked up a knife and stabbed Abbas Masih in the heart causing his immediate death.  Watson informs us that Mr Abbas Masih leaves behind a wife and 4 children.

If God is with us who can be against us!

This badge describes how we should feel!

Progress with the procession has been difficult but we seem to have overcome a number of hurdles this year.  Our event clashes with Gay Pride's annual event after the organisers changed their original dates due to internal and external pressures.  This has meant the Police and I have had to wrangle over a number of changes to our event in order to accommodate both events safely.  It would seem that information from Scotland Yard about the event was cascaded to Kensington Police very late in the day and despite my early application (1 year in advance), the larger scale of Pride has meant they have been given precedence.  The Police have been very apologetic about the matter and I hold no enmity or anger - besides they have given a very good second option - have had to squeeze hard for some of the allowances.

Our time at both 10 Downing Street and the Pakistan Embassy has increased and we shall also be holding a smaller but just as effective procession.   The very nature of a protest march is limiting and our best enquiry footfall and leaflet distribution has always been at the two rallying points.  Details of our protest start times can be found here:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/11/protest-march-against-blasphemy-law-on.html


We have had a few guests cancelled i.e. Canon Yacub Masih who has had to cancel due to personal reasons. Two churches - Walthamstow led by Pastor Shabaz and Ilford led by Shaheen Zar, have prior engagements for this year. However, they have said they will be attending next year.  This will not impact too much on our event as we are yet to see a presence from Canon Yacub Masih and the other leaders mentioned. However, we are encouraged by the commitment for next year.

Nelson Church has organised a 50 man coach to join us on the 2nd and Sheem Gill from Scotland has organised a number of visitors from Scotland. 

Despite us losing key speaker Canon Yacub Masih, we have gained the support of the Baluchistan Community and we will be graced by the presence and words from Faiz Baluch who will represent two groups "International Voice for Baloch Missing Persons" and CAMPACC.  Moreover, if Nazi Holocaust Survivor Dr Martin Stern can attend and participate at our event after travelling from Sheffield - then what is stopping other younger and more able people, or our elders...

When I told Premier Christian Radio of David Dean, Akmal Zahid and Kenneth Massey's efforts to get so much involvement from their church at our protest,  they were so inspired. They agreed to interview them and retain their contact details for future reference.  For those of you who are coming to our event look out for their choir who will be performing the two Urdu Zaboor of the day.  Fear not, we also have four English Worship songs...

We also received a confirmation that Women Against Fundamentalism will be speaking at our event. We are especially pleased as our sisters from this group have been at everyone of our events and  are our always esteemed guests.

To entice you all, I confirm we will be serving samosas and free bottled water at our event (first come first served).

Please stop the ban and intimidation!

Firstly Juliet and I would like to thank all of you who have emailed us your support regarding the intimidation to my family in Pakistan and the call for an end to my ban from travelling to Pakistan. Your kind words have been both encouraging and greatly appreciated. A British Church Minister asked me to devise a letter to write to MP's and to the Pakistan High Commissioner in the UK. Due to pressing needs with this Saturday's (2nd July 2011) protest I have not had the time to do so. However, a kind gentleman of another faith and minority group has devised a letter than can be copied by others and used to call upon the support of MP's in the UK calling for their intervention and assistance.

Text for letter to MP:

MP (Name of parliamentarian)
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Dear..........,


I am writing to you about the treatment of Mr Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association by the Pakistani government. Mr Chowdhry is in the UK alerting peace groups here about the violation of the human rights of the Christian community in Pakistan where the blasphemy laws are being used to impose capital punishment on vulnerable individuals from their community.


The Pakistani government has banned Mr Chowdhry from returning to Pakistan and his repeated appeal to the High Commissioner of Pakistan has been in vain. Furthermore his family in Pakistan has been visited by Pakistani intelligence service officers on three occasions which has been intimidating for them. It is clear that the purpose of these visits is to silence Mr Wilson here where he has been heard with great sympathy from human rights organisations.


I would be grateful if you could write to the Foreign Office on this issue given our support for human rights across the world. Mr Chowdhry’s freedom of movement, freedom of expression and the right to family life needs to be defended.


Yours sincerely


Juliet has limited contact with her family at the moment due to a fear of phone tapping. We have called on MP Aasiya Nasir and Joseph Francis form the National Commission for Justice and Peace to assist. They will be meeting with Juliet's family and have been very supportive. Please keep these helpful individuals in your prayers.

If you would like to obtain details for your MP's they can be found by following the link below:

 http://www.parliament.uk/about/contacting/mp/

Friday 24 June 2011

Welsh Christians rally in support of Pakistani Christians and the people of Baluchistan!

A night of support for the Christians of Pakistan
at Capel Rehoboth, Nant Peris, Gwynedd LL55 4UG
 on Sunday, 10th July at 7 30 p.m.
with  renowned soloist Zeshan Rahab from the Punjab
A speech on the Persecution of Pakistani Christians by Wilson Chowdhry of London (Leader of the British Pakistani Christian Association)
Also discussed will be the issue of Pakistan's occupation and persecution of the Baluchi nation
Details: 07588256783 or 07718982732 


yng Nghapel Rehoboth,
Nant Peris,
Gwynedd LL55 4UE
ar Nos Sul, 10fed o Orffennaf
am 7. 30 p.m.
gyda'r canwr swynol Zeshan Rahab
Araith ar ormes ar Gristnogion Pacistan
gan  Wilson Chowdhry, (arweinydd Cymdeithas Cristnogion Pacistanaidd ym Mhrydain)
Hefyd sylw ar ormes Pacistan ar genedl y Baluchi
Manylion: 07588256783 neu 07718982732





Info from Eisteddfod Ryngwladol Llangollen :(where Zeshan will sing during that week)"Zeshan Rahab will be the first ever Pakistani soloist in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod's 65 year history.  He will sing and play the harmonium, performing traditional Urdu Ghazal music that is of deep and personal meaning to the Pakistani Christian Church.  Zeshan said, “It is a great honour for me to be the first Pakistani soloist to perform and compete at such a well regarded international festival. I’m proud to be able to bring Urdu Ghazal music to  Wales." Zeshan went on to say: “I’m especially looking forward to performing in Llangollen, a place that I have heard is so beautiful.”
Pakistan is home to more than 187 million people, 97% of which are Muslim.  In recent years tension between the majority Muslim communities and minority Christians groups has risen. Zeshan’s hometown is Gujranwala in North West Punjab, an industrial town of four million Muslims and half a million Christians, who have lived together peacefully for many years.  Recently false blasphemy charges were filed against a Christian father and son from the Christian Technical College, and violence erupted against the poor Christian colonies of Gulzar and Aziz.
Moderate Muslim and Christian leaders organized peace rallies where ghazal music was played and the situation has since improved. The blasphemy law has seen many Christians as well as Muslims arrested under false cases for personal grudges or enmity and even professional jealousy.
Encouraged by his Christian parents, Zeshan began to learn harmonium at the age of 12. Like many Pakistanis Zeshan left his country to find work abroad, where poverty is a growing concern.  He was discovered working as a labourer in Dubai and brought to the U.K. by the Anglican Chaplain of the inter-denominational Holy Trinity Church, Dubai, Revd. John Weir who said: “Zeshan is really looking forward to performing at the Eisteddfod. It was a struggle bringing him to Wales, but I believe his talent should be shared with the world and with so many different countries performing and competing in Llangollen this year." 
His journey to Llangollen has not been without incident. After Christian friends and supporters in Dubai offered sponsorship for his travel costs, his harmonium was taken apart and damaged by airport security."

If you think you have talent contact Melody of the Mind!



One of our supporters has asked for help in creating a short YouTube video that will feature stills and short videos of life for Christians in Pakistan.  He is asking anyone who has such images (and permission /copyright / authorisation to use them from people in the photos where relevant - bearing in mind security issues) and are willing for them to be used, to send them to info@melodyofthemind.com, with the subject 'Pakistan Prayer Song'.  This is non-commercial - and will involve putting the stills to an original song - an emotive wordless prayer for Pakistan, ending with a brief weblink for BPCA and a logo for the website of the creator of the video.  He would be interested in images or brief clips that capture aspects of Christian life generally, or that would illustrate the effects of the persecution and discrimination they endure.  You can also send them via Wilson.

There is a call for artists, writers and musicians, particularly Christians who reside in Pakistan itself, who would like an opportunity to be able to sell their work and in the process raise money for the BPCA.     


"Melody of the Mind" will be a commercial site that gives a portion of most sales to good causes, primarily the BPCA.  The site will mainly sell digital products, although it may also be possible to sell physical products in limited circumstances.  The site is looking for high-quality work, and the initial focus is on photos - particularly landscape and the like, digital artwork, e-books, poems, spoken word products, and music - both written and sound files.  Work in both English and other languages will be considered.  There are no up-front fees. You get money in proportion to how much your product sells.  We will also be looking for collaborators, particularly artists, for possible bespoke work in the future.  

Anyone interested should email:

info@melodyofthemind.com

Giving samples of your work, preferably as hyperlinks if possible, or attachments if not.  

Thursday 23 June 2011

Full transcript of Lord Alton's question and ensuing debate at House of Lords


M.A.Jinnah - Pakistan's Founder, who called for a State which respected and protected its minorities and gave them equal rights.




Shahbaz Bhatti - Pakistan's Murdered Minister For Minorities

Many of you will be aware of our work with Lord Alton who posed a question in the House of Lords yesterday, calling for advocacy for religious minorities in Pakistan.

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/11/protest-march-against-blasphemy-law-on.html

http://www.premier.org.uk/news/current/Christian%20peer%20questions%20the%20governments%20role%20in%20Pakistan.aspx

We hope as a consequence of his question that awareness of the oppression that minorities face in Pakistan, will become wider knowledge.  It is essential that we profit from Lord Alton's strong stance and support for all minorities and I again call on people of all faiths to join our peace rally on the 2nd July:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/11/protest-march-against-blasphemy-law-on.html

Moreover, please contact your local MP's, and call for more action in pursuing a change in the current human right breaches exhibited in Pakistan.  Pray for God's protection of persecuted people wherever they may be.

Lord Alton emailed us a full transcript of the ensuing debate from yesterdays question:

....................................................................................................................................

Pakistan: Religious Minorities


Question


3 pm


Asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool


To ask Her Majesty's Government what advocacy the Foreign Office is undertaking on behalf of persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan.


The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Howell of Guildford): My Lords, we engage regularly with the authorities in Pakistan on issues of religious freedom. Most recently, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my honourable


22 Jun 2011 : Column 1305


friend Mr Burt, discussed religious freedom with the newly appointed Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Interfaith Harmony and Minority Affairs. He also met religious leaders from across Pakistan as part of the Ministry's Interfaith Council. Ministers and our High Commission in Islamabad will continue to maintain regular contact.


Lord Alton of Liverpool: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. However, what does the abject failure of the authorities in Pakistan to bring to justice those who were responsible for the brutal murder of Salman Taseer, the Governor of Punjab, and of Shahbaz Bhatti, the courageous Minister for Minorities, say about their commitment to uphold the rule of law and to protect minorities? Is not impunity for murder, forced conversion, rape, forced marriage, the denial of civil rights and the failure to protect Ahmadis, Sufis, Shias, Christians, Hindus, and others, directly linked to the rise of the Taliban in Pakistan? Does it not point to the crucial importance of returning to the original vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who insisted on upholding the rights of minorities, saying that they should have a full place in Pakistan society?


Lord Howell of Guildford: My Lords, the noble Lord has set out a grim and very telling catalogue. The events he has described are appalling, particularly the recent murders and the apparent support by some members of the public in Pakistan for those who may even have carried out these atrocities. These are very worrying matters that we raise again and again with our friends and the authorities in Pakistan. We see Pakistan as a country to which we are bound by longstanding ties, but also a country where we must put forward our values in a strong and effective way. I have to say to the noble Lord that no one can be happy about this pattern of affairs, or with the advance in extremism around the country, no doubt encouraged by apparent aspects of impunity. All these matters are constantly in our minds and constantly in the way that we are developing our relationship with Pakistan, a great nation that needs certain help and support at this difficult time.


Lord Elton: My Lords, as the minority groups in Pakistan number some 14 million people, of whom around 3 million are Christian, this is a major problem. Can the Minister confirm that 1.2 million people living in this country are of Pakistani origin, and that this form of violence has now been exported here, particularly in relation to the Ahmadi population? Perhaps it is worth mentioning what the noble Lord, Lord Alton, did not say. In his speech, Jinnah said:


"Minorities ... will be safeguarded. Their religion, faith or belief will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with their freedom of worship".


Lord Howell of Guildford: My noble friend is right, as was the noble Lord, Lord Alton, to remind us of the original qualities and values which the founders of the state of Pakistan, and obviously Mr Jinnah himself, put forward. In the present situation we want to try to maintain, deepen and, in some cases, resurrect these


22 Jun 2011 : Column 1306


things. As to our own direct links with Pakistan, I am told that there are 1 million British citizens in this country with family connections in Pakistan. Believe it or not, the number of visits and journeys undertaken between this country and Pakistan each year amounts to 1.4 million. So our ties are close, which puts us in a position where we have responsibility and, I hope, credibility and some authority in dealing with our Pakistani friends.


Lord Ahmed: My Lords, is the Minister aware that Articles 20, 21, 22, 26 and 27 of the Pakistan constitution guarantee rights for all minorities? Does he agree that the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion or group, should be protected? Pakistan is at war with extremists and terrorists, and since expressing its support for Operation Enduring Freedom, has lost some 34,000 citizens. Is not the right approach that of supporting Pakistan's institutions and its democratic Government, as Her Majesty's Government are already doing? It is better to support friends when they are in difficulties rather than kicking them when they are down.


Lord Howell of Guildford: The noble Lord is correct. No one questions the fact that Pakistan is facing fearful challenges of all kinds, one of which is its contiguity to Afghanistan and the challenges of extremism. Taliban operations are just one example of many pressures on Pakistani society. Of course we must approach these matters in a supportive mood, but we must also uphold our values. The fact is that, for instance, the blasphemy legislation is part of the Pakistan penal code. We have raised the issue of that kind of legislation by pointing to some of the tensions and excitements it generates. We would like to see a pattern where that kind of regulation, along with the attitudes and terms it generates, is less prominent. That might lead to some reduction in the violence and the apparent readiness of some people to commit acts of terrible atrocity, particularly the two murders just mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Alton.


Lord Avebury: My Lords, can my noble friend say whether the Prime Minister himself has made any representations to President Ali Zardari to provide adequate protection for Ahmadi Muslims, who have been subject to multiple assassinations and incessant persecution fuelled by the Khatme Nabuwat, who openly incite to murder in leaflets and public speeches? Will the Prime Minister take up with Zardari the denial of voting rights to Ahmadis by requiring them to make a sworn statement contradicting an article of their faith in order to be included on the electoral register?


Lord Howell of Guildford: My right honourable friend the Prime Minister was in Pakistan only a few months ago and certainly made representations on all aspects of human rights and religious persecution in Pakistan, and I think that his views were very well received. Specifically on the Ahmaddiyya, we meet regularly with representatives of the Ahmaddiyya community to listen to their concerns. Most recently Mr Burt, whom I have already mentioned, and my noble friend Lady Warsi met representatives of minority religious groups to discuss freedom in Pakistan. About


22 Jun 2011 : Column 1307


a month ago, my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary publicly condemned the Lahore attacks on the Ahmaddiyya community. We are well aware of these pressures and we dislike them, as does my noble friend. We continue to raise these issues as vigorously as we can.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Written Questions June 23rd 2011.


Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have asked the President of Pakistan to consider a presidential pardon in the case of Aasia Bibi. HL10427


Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about the 2002 executive order which denied four million Ahmadiyya Muslims the right to vote, unless they are willing to sign a declaration denouncing their own community. HL10428


Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about violence against the Ahmadiyya Muslims; and what assessment they have made of the threats and intimidation against that community in the United Kingdom. HL10429


Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the likelihood of the government of Pakistan ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and signing both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. HL10430


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------






http://davidalton.net/2011/06/12/the-plight-of-pakistans-minorities-ahmadis-christians-hindus-buddhists-and-zoroatrians-facing-campaign-of-relentless-violenve/


Article for E-Politix.com ahead of House of Lords Question on the plight of Pakistan’s minorities, June 22nd 2011: Question to be raised by Crossbench Peer, Lord Alton of Liverpool.










In 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah gave a speech to the New Delhi Press Club, setting out the basis on which the new State of Pakistan was to be founded. In it, he forcefully defended the right of minorities to be protected and to have their beliefs respected:


“Minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion, faith or belief will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with their freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their life and their culture. They will be, in all respects, the citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste and creed.”


These words are a forgotten aspiration in today’s Pakistan where minorities, ranging from Ahmadis to Sikhs, from Christians to Hindus, Buddhists and Zoroastrians, face relentless violence and profound discrimination.


It is estimated that, of a population of over 172 million people, at least 4% of the population come from the minorities: in 2011 the Pakistan Hindu Council put the number of Hindus alone at 5.5% – some 7 million people, while there are almost 3 million Christians, and Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya community is 4 million strong. All of these minorities have suffered grievously, along with those caught up in the sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.


Jinnah rightly declared that the Government of Pakistan has a duty to protect all of its citizens, regardless of their beliefs or origins. The international community ought to be asking how the State today honours that pledge.


Take the Ahmadis.


One year ago, in two separate attacks in Lahore, 98 Ahmadis were murdered and many more injured while they were at Friday prayers. The vicious brutality of these attacks is magnified when considering the Ahmadis’ belief: “love for all and hatred for none.”


Sadly, too few share the same passion for tolerance.


While the Ahmadis consider themselves Muslim and follow all Islamic rituals, in 1974 the State declared them to be non-Muslim and, in 1984, they were legally barred from proselytising or identifying themselves as Muslims. Unless they renounce their beliefs Ahmadis are disenfranchised from elections and have to dishonestly describe their religious affiliation to obtain a passport.


Ali Dayan Hassan of Human Rights Watch believes that Ahmadis had thus become “easy targets” for militant Sunni groups who behave with impunity believing they have the full authority of the State in declaring Ahmadis to be infidels. Despite repeated attacks on the Ahmadis no prosecution of perpetrators has occurred in the past 15 years. And the situation is set to get worse. Earlier this month, on June 11th, The Asian Human Rights Commission issued a statement that “extremists openly plan to kill hundreds of Ahmadis while the government turns a blind eye.”


Last year Terrorism Monitor warned that:


“As the Pakistani Taliban are trying to spread their war on the Pakistani State, they are likely to continue to target minorities like the Ahmadis in their efforts to create instability.”


On March 29th of this year that threat was brutally and graphically underlined by the murder of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Mr.Shahbaz Bhatti. An advocate of reform of the country’s Blasphemy Law – the cause of many bogus prosecutions against non Muslims – he was gunned down by self described Taliban assassins as he left his Islamabad home. His murderers scattered pamphlets describing him as a “Christian infidel”. The leaflets were signed Taliban al-Qaida Punjab.”


Shahbaz Bhatti’s death is the second high profile killing this year of someone asking for changes to Pakistan’s laws and greater protection for its minorities.


The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said that Bhatti’s death “is a tragic loss for Pakistan and for all people who believe in human rights and freedom of speech.” Alistair Burt, Minister for South Asia, added that he had supported Mr.Bhatti’s “in his difficult role and in his attempts to revise his country’s Blasphemy Laws. Those laws have been used to target minorities.”


Minister Bhatti’s death was not isolated incidents.


As terrorism and instability has intensified, so have the deaths. Over 35,000 people have died in attacks since 2003; 2,522 fatalities in the first six months of 2011 alone. And, on the day of writing this, a report from Peshwar detailed the deaths of 34 more people, with over 100 badly injured.


Meanwhile, forced conversions to Islam, rape, and forced marriage are increasingly commonplace.


Take the case of Sidra Bibi.


She is a 14 year old Christian living in the district of Sheikhupura in Punjab, and the daughter of a worker in the cotton industry. She was molested, abducted, raped and threatened her with death. Physically and psychologically abused, she became pregnant. Police have refused to accept her complaint.


Samina Ayub, is also a Christian. Aged 17, she lives with her family near Lahore. Kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, renamed Fatima Bibi, she was coerced into marrying in the Muslim rite. Her family reported the abduction but police have not prosecuted those responsible.


Attacks have also been made on places and books sacred to those with minority beliefs. The radical Islamist party, Jamiat ulema-e-Islam recently filed an application to the Supreme Court to ban the circulation of the Bible, describing it as “blasphemous” and “pornographic”


Such intolerance and such virulent attacks pose a grave threat to Pakistan, to the region, but, also, to the UK, where around 1.2 million British citizens of Pakistani descent now reside.


Unlike the authorities who have such a lamentable record in protecting their citizens, Pakistan’s own citizens clearly understand from where the threat to their security originates. In an independent survey 90% cited religious extremism as the greatest threat to the country: which is why we have a duty to speak out for these vulnerable and preyed upon minorities, especially in the aftermath of the killing of Osama bin Laden, since when intolerant violence has intensified.


The former Foreign Secretary, David Miliband commented that: “It is when the international community has taken its eye off the ball in Pakistan that instability has increased…Internally, Pakistan has a duty to protect minority groups and needs the support of its allies to do so.”


Those words are in complete accord with Jinnah’s 1947 Declaration promising tolerance, respect and security for the new country’s minorities – a vision that needs to be reinserted into the political mainstream. In 2011 the grievous plight of Pakistan’s minorities is inextricably bound to its destiny as a nation.


David Alton
(Professor Lord Alton of Liverpool)
House of Lords,

Wednesday 22 June 2011

Long term peace campaigner Brian Haw (RIP) loses fight against cancer.


Humanitarians of different faiths enjoyed a meal and gentle discussion on global persecution.

 


Brian was a warm, welcoming man his passion for peace was evident in the words he spoke and his actions.




The BPCA banner was displayed and held by people of different faiths.


Brian talked of his Christian faith openly and honestly.

Brian Haw is the stoic and determined character who selflessly gave his time and resource to challenge the decision by Britain to enter and remain, in the illegal and immoral Iraq and Afghanistan war on terror.  He passed away after a long battle against a debilitating  lung cancer and will now never see an end to the war  which he spoke out most vehemently against.


To vent his frustrations against the sanctions imposed on Iraq and the brutal affects of the war that had  created defects on a whole generation of Iraq's young children -caused by the use of depleted Uranium munitions - Brian left his family behind and took up permanent residence on the green outside the houses of parliament - taking shelter in a tent.


He was brought into the international spotlight on many occasions whilst being taken to the court, the Mayor of London and Parliamentarians, all of whom sought his removal from Westminster Green.  Brian was successful in most court proceedings, however in March this year Boris Johnson secured an order that required his removal from the green onto the hard pavement area.  Despite this extra inconvenience he continued to protest and his legend continue to grow.


I met with Brian during a peace picnic organised by the enigmatic Julius Salik a former Federal Minister form Pakistan.  During my short time with Brian I discovered his thirst for justice and peace and he revealed to me his strong evangelical Christian beliefs. Whilst talking of his faith however, he described the need for people of all faiths to work collaboratively and in harmony to introduce a global peace.  The Picnic was attended by people from a number of faiths.


Brian led the prayer for grace before our Publish Postmeal, using the opportunity to give God glory whilst calling for a more resolute campaign to see an end to war and tyranny.  He will be remembered as a great ambassador for peace and is a loss to the global humanitarian cause. His absence from Parliament square will no doubt be noticeable.


His campaign inspired me and seeing and reading about his constant campaign galvanised my heart to do more for Pakistani Christians and other minorities.  Though I must admit, I would find it very difficult to make the huge sacrifice he made.  He leaves behind a wife and 7 children who will no doubt mourn the loss of a figure or great importance in their lives and more globally. 


Mark Wallinger won a coveted Turner Prize for recreating Brian Haw's Protest encampment within the Tate Britain Gallery, illustrating the wide impact of his mission.  Moreover, Al Jazeera reported today that John McDonnell MP now plans to put a resolution (an "Early Day Motion") before the Houses of Parliament calling for the erection of "a monument to Brian Haw that celebrates peace, rather than celebrating war - as do many of London's great monuments".


It would not be fitting to complete this post without some words from Brian Haw himself describing why he was so passionate about an end to the "War on Terror." Speaking after a court appearance, he set out his intention to remain in the square for the rest of his life:



"We're there because our country is committing infanticide, genocide, the looting of nations. I'm determined to be there until they kill me. How much longer will that be?"
He also once said the children of Iraq and other countries were;
 "every bit as valuable and worthy of love as my precious wife and children".
"I want to go back to my own kids and look them in the face again, knowing that I've done all I can to try and save the children of Iraq and other countries who are dying because of my government's unjust, amoral, fear - and money-driven policies," he said.
I met Brian with his wife at the barbecue and the love, care  and support exhibited for one another suggest to me that his love for suffering people was immense.

Monday 20 June 2011

Please pray for my family in Pakistan...

As I write this blog post two ISI agents have again visited my in-laws house this is a further attempt by the Pakistani High Commission at intimidating the BPCA into staying quiet.  This is now the 3rd visit to my father in law and as you can imagine, the entire family is upset and anxious about just how insidious a development this is. Read previous post here:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2011/05/wilson-reports-on-why-he-has-been.html

Today the officers have accused my family in Pakistan of saying anti-Islamic messages through the BPCA and have stated that they will continue to receive impromptu visits. 

Several times I have sought from the High Commission an explanation for the visits from ISI agents to my in-laws, in tandem with a request for details of an appeals process to my ban from Pakistan. I have yet to receive any response.  Today I will copy our network into the original email and urge you all to email a message of support using contact details provided, asking for a curtailment to this pernicious treatment of myself and my family - which seems to have intensified the nearer our protest approaches:

http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/11/protest-march-against-blasphemy-law-on.html

For those of you who are not on my email distribution, I include a copy of the letter which has been sent by recorded post and email to the High Commissioner's Office:

Your Excellency Wajid shamul Hasan High Commissioner of Pakistan.



Re: Ban from Pakistan.


I write to you to request a removal of my ban from travelling to Pakistan. I am concerned that the ban has been imposed on me for alleged rude and violent behaviour when the false allegation made regarding my attack on a diplomat and member of your staff, were dropped following a police request for CCTV footage of the incident.


I have no doubt that the CCTV footage would have indicated quite clearly and in no uncertain terms, that I was forcibly pushed into the diplomatic confines of the High Commission building, and that the woman claiming to have been hit by me was not even close to the affray during it's short term.  Your Security Officer hurt his hands on my cheeks bones and had to terminate his offensive prematurely as a consequence.


Fortunately, I suffered no long term injury barring the ignominy of being incarcerated for the two hours it took for the High Commission to make the just decision to drop charges, knowing full well video evidence would have been incriminating.

I am shocked at the least to see that no action has been taken against the staff that contrived against me and concocted the spurious accusations. It would seem that the Christian marginalisation the British Pakistani Christian Association is challenging in Pakistan ,has infiltrated the rank and file of High Commission staff here in the UK. This is a very disconcerting


I am rather discombobulated that the High Commission have not been able to obtain a copy of the letter produced by Nafees Zekaria informing me of the ban - which my wife ripped in disgust at the time of the collection - without which I cannot structure an appeal correctly. Moreover, I am particularly concerned that no appeals process has been provided to my Personal Assistant despite several requests.

With this dilemma I write and email you direct with my concerns, in hope that you might be able to locate that original visa exclusion letter and provide an appropriate channel for appeal. Without such assistance I will not be able to visit my family in Pakistan.


I also write to request that whosoever from the High Commission has instructed visits to my in-laws house in Pakistan in an attempt to gain details of my personal life, is questioned on the need for such action. The two visits that have been authorised by the High Commission have created much anxiety and undue pressure on an innocent Christian Family.


Please advise

Kind regards


Wilson Chowdhry

If you would like to support my request for a termination of the ban imposed on me preventing a vist to Pakistan and a cessation of ISI Vvisits to the the home of my wife's family please use the email's below to regiuster your concerns:

His Excellency High Commissioner for Pakistan Wajid Shamshul Hasan:

wshwsh786@gmail.com

The High Commissioners PA Naghma Butt:

ss2phc@yahoo.co.uk

PA to the General Secretary Nafees Zakaria (who imposed the ban):

tariqmkhan_1972@yahoo.com


I have been advised that the ISI are observing my work and movements and I believe that the threat is a real one made with animosity and a desire to cause fear and anxiety.  I remind you that in the original incident at the High Commission a diplomat was overheard by my wife saying;

"...if Wilson continues with his campaigning we will deal with him" 

His words have come into fruition and I register this concern with you all now, so that if my life is lost in mysterious circumstances, that those of you that have been with me on this journey, are aware of the threat that has been hanging over me for some time now.

Saturday 18 June 2011

House of Commons debate on Iranian persecution was a great success.


Learned people discussed the issues facing Pakistan.


Omid Djalili  impressed with his humour and wit whilst describing the prejudices he faced as  a young man.


Dr Nazila Ghanea - Oxford University Professor, Shadi Sadr - Iranian lawyer and women’s rights activist, Louise Ellman - MP (Chairman), Mike Gapes - MP Foreign Affairs Committee, Unnamed speakerOmid Djalili - Actor and comedian.

Dr Nazila Ghanea,Wilson and Omid Djalili 

On Wednesday 15th June 2011 I was invited to attend a debate in the House of Commons titled "Iran Human Rights in Crises".  The invite provided a brief synopsis of the direction of the discussion:

"Freedom of Religion and the Rights of Women.It has been three years since the arrest of seven Bahá'í 
leaders in Iran. They were detained on capital charges that their lawyer, Nobel laureate Dr Shirin Ebadi, has said are baseless.The seven Bahá’ís are today being held in appalling conditions – and the lives of the two women are in danger. To mark this anniversary, the All Party Parliamentary Friends of the Bahá’ís invites you to join the UK Bahá’í community, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, and United for Iran, for a seminar on the freedom ofreligion and belief and the rights of women in Iran."

I have listed the panel guest below one of the pictures above and so will not repeat the excercise here, suffice to say it was a high powered panel with great influence an understanding of the situation facing Iranian Minorities.  UK Bahá’í community invited a number of Christian groups and it was great to see the collaborative effort to highlight persecution as a Minority issue and not specific to on faith (all Speakers ensured they spoke of the persecution of other minorities not just their own).  

The event was a productive one and in my usual manner I ensured I posed an early question, recognising that these debates allow sparing time for Q&A and second opportunities are rare.  My Question called for the creation of a working party commissioned to research and advocate for minorities globally.  I also sought a more open approach to religious asylum applications in the UK, as the majority are dismissed casually, due to a perceived reluctance to accept that religious intolerance exists.

Mike Gapes disagreed that a working party would serve any purpose, believing it would confuse things.  He said; "The UNHCR should be made to do their job.".  Although I agree in part with his premise I still desire a specific body in this country that will be able to challenge Governments and the UNHCR on religious persecution, as this would prevent the current UNHCR slippage and remove governmental disregard.  Besides in contemporaneous times who will make sure the UNHCR does what they are supposed to do?

Mike failed to respond to my question regarding asylum cases, but fear not another guest speaker concurred with my proposal and even highlighted the ridiculous investigation strategy deployed by the UKBA.  "..in some cases"  she said; "they simply ask what the sixth commandment is?"  

The naivety of the UKBA in understanding the level of literacy in minorities and their ability to hold to a blind but strong and passionate faith, makes me wonder who is the illiterate..?

My favourite bit of the day was when Omajid Djalili talked of how good a footballer he was in his youth.  Obviously he made a jest of it, and his visible physical shape has somewhat deteriorated since those days of course.  Omajid described how he was part of an Iranian university football team and got them to the semifinal by scoring a number of goals.  One night sometime before the final a colleague made a remark about Bahai's one that he responded to by explaining that he was from that particular faith.  As a result of the ensuing conversation he never received a call form the team again and missed the final. This unsavoury incident illustrates that cultural prejudices are global and that even today here in our beloved UK much must be done to create a more harmonious society.

Mob of 2500 fanatics forced Police to use decoy to save an innocent Christian, who simply saved 8 year old nephew from blasphemy attack!

A 26 year old man has suffered a physical attack and is in under Police protection after a false blasphemy charge has been laid against him.  The incident occurred June 10th at a place called Khanewal near Miah Channu.

26 year old father of two Dildar Masih ran to the rescue of his 8 year old nephew who was being beaten by a group of Muslim youths for not reading  Kalma Tayyaba Islam's foremost proclamations of Muhammed as a prophet Compass Direct reported.

Dildar simply stopped the attack and rebuked the boys for trying to force his Nephew Itisham into renouncing his own faith.  Dildar was later accused by  a local Muslim prayer leader of blaspheming during the incident which he claimed to have seen from the Mosque entrance near the site of the altercation.  The same Prayer leader Qari Husnain fomented hatred by contacting local clerics and calling for action against the blasphemer.

Dildar Masih has suffered attack and has been taken into police custody the Christian community in which he lives have now fled their homes after local mosques called for revenge against the blasphemy.

Compass Dierect provides a full report below please click the link below:

http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/pakistan/article_113735.html

It would seem thus far that the Police have acted professionally and even saved his life by purportedly sending out a false decoy vehicle in which they stated that Dildar Masih had been removed to another city.  We must pray for their continuing strength in the face of much provocation and threat.

Dildar is said to be safe and well but incidents like this continue create loss, pain and suffering for innocent victims in Pakistan.  We urge readers of this post to join us for our protest on the 2nd July so that we can raise issues such as these and others on a much larger platform.  The rule of law is overcome by religious, economic and political elites who are able to subvert  justice and promote their own agenda.  Pakistan must be made to adhere to the international human rights conventions that it has subscribed to.

If you are not able to make the protest please pray for a successful event.

Please pray for peace to be restored to this city and the safe return of the fleeing families to their homes and businesses without loss.

More than conquerors!

I am overcome with joy and full of glee and cannot express with clarity just how ecstatic I feel.  The support that has been offered to me and the BPCA by leading religious and political figures of different religious persuasions has galvanised my heart to do more for minorities in Pakistan.  Today in particular I have finally completed the line up for our 10 Downing Street petition delegation the six candidates now includes:


  • Bishop Dr Michael Nazir-Ali - Emeritus Bishop of Rochester)
  • Neville St L Kyrke-Smith - Aid to the Church in Need
  • Imam Taj Hargey - Muslim Education Centre Oxford 
  • Dr Martin Stern - Nazi Holocaust Survivor and former Peshawar University Medical student
  • Alan Craig Christian Peoples Alliance
  • Alex Chowdhry - Former Chairman of the BPCA

Today I also received very positive news from another large anti- persecution charity who confirmed that their South Asia Coordinator will be attending.  (Article amended to protect names)

Since the BPCA was formed we have had an uphill struggle trying to bolster support from our community of Pakistani Christians in the UK.  As newbies to the arena we have been overlooked as just another group who wants to make a name for themselves, or another association doomed to failure.

Our passion to see change has meant we have persevered through a number of betrayals.  Groups and leaders who said they would join us, failed to attend our meetings and protests and a whole manner of denigrating words have been spoken outwardly and in a more clandestine fashion, all said with a specific intent to derail or undermine the work we have committed ourselves to complete.

I have had to forgive many brothers and sisters on the way and I can tell you honestly, that sometimes it has taken some real soul searching to do so. Not because of the personal slight - I am tough enough to take it on the chin.  No my pain is for the innocent victims of Pakistan as they continue to suffer, while some of our community casually reject a political campaign that simply needs the effort of every single member within our tiny diaspora.  Our community presence in the UK includes only 8174 individuals, illustrating the need for unity.  If we are to be a voice for voiceless Pakistani Christians then we all have to be involved in as many of the campaigns as possible.  Irrespective of the failed arrivals at our events we have managed to attend the majority of Pakistani Christian events in the UK - even when not invited.

It seems that a stronger camaraderie is precipitating within the majority of UK brethren and that a much wider Christian unity on the matter if international persecution is surfacing.  This is an encouraging direction for our communities to take and I hope that we can play a small part in magnifying this emerging if not nascent collaborative spirit.

The parable of the "Good Samaritan" is one that describes a man who was attacked and left to die.  Verse 31 describes the attitude of  a holy man or priest of the time:

"And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.


I am not targeting any minister or church,  however I am certain despite assurances of support and presence our protest on the 2nd July will have a number of our community missing.  This event has been promoted several times since  May last year.  I have handed our flyers in churches personally at the vast memorials and seminars our community have organised - every time public assurances have been made of support and attendance.  I trust God that those that made such commitments will see it through.  


The inspirational concept in the parable of the Good Samaritan is the desire of a man outside the victims tribal and cultural heritage.  A man that would have probably been rejected by the victim if found in the same situation.  Unsurprisingly the BPCA has found significant support from the wider church and this year is no exception.  Such support signifies the strength in opposition to the controversial blasphemy laws of Pakistan, by a Christian community increasingly aware of it's oppressive nature on minorities.  Moreover our support from wider faith groups indicates that this Samaritanial spirit is not just the preserve of Christians, but one that surpasses all diversities.  To put it simply good hearted people are offended by the continual disregard for life that has been exhibited by the elite in Pakistan.  Dr Martin Stern despite having survived the Nazi Holocaust many moons ago, will be walking the entirety of the protest!  How inspiring is that....


I am encouraged by the Nelson fellowship who will be travelling in coaches to support our London protest form the far north of England.  Brother David Dean and Kenneth Massey have been steadfast and sure in their love for the persecuted Christians of Pakistan and the support for the various missions working on their behalf.  


I am proud to be joined by our first Indian Pastor Hari Kaul from Wolverhampton, this signifies greater unity amongst Pakistani and Indian Christians. That he and others are travelling from so far is a testament to us all and should stir something within us to stand up and be counted.


I give special praise to Sheem Gill our brother in Glasgow.  He has been galvanising support from Scotland and has organised participation from Christian's from the more extreme north of the United Kingdom.


From London we are assured company with Rev Amelia Jacob formerly of St James Alperton, Rev John Bosco - Christian Social Link and Rev Gill David -currently with St Paul's Hounslow.


These and others will join the clamour for justice and freedom.  Times like this reminds me of the well known and popular Christian song "Oh when the saints go marching in" I definitely want to be in that number!  do you...?


Just view the massive guest list that includes some of the key players fighting for justice for persecuted Christians in Pakistan:



http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.com/2010/11/protest-march-against-blasphemy-law-on.html


It's the stuff of Godly dreams!


On leaving I want to challenge the hearts that are still have not decided to join our 2nd July protest.  The title of this post is significant and is a replication of the title of the passage representing Romans 8 v 31 - 32.  Why not pray and then read this important scriptural text then work out for yourself what I am getting at...
More Than Conquerors

 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:


   “For your sake we face death all day long; 

   we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]


 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thursday 16 June 2011

Lord Alton to pose oral questions for Parliamentary debate (June 22nd 2011) on Minority persecution in Pakistan

Lord Alton and Wilson Chowdhry

Many of you will be aware of Wilson's previous meeting with Lord Alton at the house of Lords.  At the meeting he confirmed that his desire to take up a banner for our community. 


Since then we have sent him a report on Pakistan and on the 12th of June we were sent a copy of the supplementary information he intends to refer to after delivering an oral question at the House of Lords.  We are grateful for Lord Alton's inclusion of the BPCA in his research exercise for this question: 

"May I ask what advocacy Her Majesty's Government has undertaken on behalf of persecuted minorities in Pakistan?

Here is the supplementary information:

Article for E-Politix.com ahead of House of Lords Question on the plight of Pakistan’s minorities, June 22nd 2011: Question to be raised by crossbench Peer, Lord Alton of Liverpool.

In 1947, in a speech to the New Delhi Press Club, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, set out the basis on which the new State of Pakistan was to be founded. In it, he forcefully defended the right of minorities to be protected and to have their beliefs respected:

“Minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion, faith or belief will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with their freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their life and their culture. They will be, in all respects, the citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste and creed.”
These words are a forgotten aspiration in today's Pakistan where minorities, ranging from Ahmadis to Sikhs, from Christians to Hindus, Buddhists and Zoroastrians, face relentless violence and profound discrimination.

It is estimated that, of a population of over 172 million people, at least 4% of the population come from the minorities: in 2011 the Pakistan Hindu Council put the number of Hindus alone at 5.5% - some 7 million people,  while there are almost 3 million Christians, and Pakistan’s Ahmadiyya community is 4 million strong. All of these minorities have suffered grievously, along with those caught up in the sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.
 Jinnah rightly declared that the Government of Pakistan has a duty to protect all of its citizens, regardless of their beliefs or origins. The international community ought to be asking how the State today honours that pledge.
Take the Ahmadis.
One year ago, in two separate attacks in Lahore, 98 Ahmadis were murdered and many more injured while they were at Friday prayers. The vicious brutality of these attacks is magnified when considering the Ahmadis' belief: “love for all and hatred for none.”  

Sadly, too few share the same passion for tolerance.

While the Ahmadis consider themselves Muslim and follow all Islamic rituals, in 1974 the State declared them to be  non-Muslim and, in 1984, they were legally barred from proselytising or identifying themselves as Muslims. Ali Dayan Hassan of Human Rights Watch believes that Ahmadis had thus become “easy targets" for militant Sunni groups who behave with impunity believing they have the full authority of the State in declaring Ahmadis to be infidels. Despite repeated attacks on the Ahmadis no prosecution of perpetrators has occurred in the past 15 years. And the situation is set to get worse. Earlier this month, on June 11th, The Asian Human Rights Commission issued a statement that “extremists openly plan to kill hundreds of Ahmadis while the government turns a blind eye.”


Last year Terrorism Monitor warned that:
 "As the Pakistani Taliban are trying to spread their war on the Pakistani State, they are likely to continue to target minorities like the Ahmadis in their efforts to create instability."
   On March 29th of this year that threat was brutally and graphically underlined by the murder of Pakistan’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Mr.Shahbaz Bhatti.  An advocate of reform of the country’s Blasphemy Law - the cause of many bogus prosecutions against non Muslims - he was gunned down by self described Taliban assassins as he left his Islamabad home. His murderers scattered pamphlets describing him as a “Christian infidel”. The leaflets were signed Taliban al-Qaida Punjab.”

Shahbaz Bhatti’s death is the second high profile killing this year of someone asking for changes to Pakistan’s laws and greater protection for its minorities. 
The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said that Bhatti’s death “is a tragic loss for Pakistan and for all people who believe in human rights and freedom of speech.” Alistair Burt, Minister for South Asia, added that he had supported Mr.Bhatti’s “in his difficult role and in his attempts to revise his country’s Blasphemy Laws. Those laws have been used to target minorities.”
Minister Bhatti’s death was not isolated incidents.
As terrorism and instability has intensified, so have the deaths. Over 35,000 people have died in attacks since 2003; 2,522 fatalities in the first six months of 2011 alone. And, on the day of writing this, a report from Peshwar detailed the deaths of 34 more people, with over 100 badly injured.
Meanwhile, forced conversions to Islam, rape, and forced marriage are increasingly commonplace.
 Take the case of Sidra Bibi.
 She is a 14 year old Christian living in the district of Sheikhupura in Punjab, and the daughter of a worker in the cotton industry. She was molested, abducted, raped and threatened her with death. Physically and psychologically abused, she became pregnant. Police have refused to accept her complaint.
 Samina Ayub, is also a Christian. Aged 17, she lives with her family near Lahore. Kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, renamed Fatima Bibi, she was coerced into marrying in the Muslim rite. Her family reported the abduction but police have not prosecuted those responsible.
Attacks have also been made on places and books sacred to those with minority beliefs. The radical Islamist party, Jamiat ulema-e-Islam recently filed an application to the Supreme Court to ban the circulation of the Bible, describing it as “blasphemous” and “pornographic”

Such intolerance and such virulent attacks pose a grave threat to Pakistan, to the region, but, also, to the UK, where around 1.2 million British citizens of Pakistani descent now reside.

Unlike the authorities who have such a lamentable record in protecting their citizens, Pakistan’s own citizens clearly understand from where the threat to their security originates. In an independent survey 90% cited religious extremism as the greatest threat to the country: which is why we have a duty to speak out for these vulnerable and preyed upon minorities, especially in the aftermath of the killing of Osama bin Laden, since when intolerant violence has intensified. 

The former Foreign Secretary, David Miliband commented that: "It is when the international community has taken its eye off the ball in Pakistan that instability has increased...Internally, Pakistan has a duty to protect minority groups and needs the support of its allies to do so."

Those words are in complete accord with Jinnah’s 1947 Declaration promising tolerance, respect and security for the new country’s minorities - aspirations that need to be reinserted into the political mainstream.  In 2011 the grievous plight of Pakistan’s minorities is inextricably bound to its destiny as a nation.