MULTAN:A human rights activist and renowned lawyer of Multan, Rashid Rehman, was killed in a targeted attack in his chamber on Wednesday evening at around 8:30 evening.


Rehman and his fellow lawyer were sitting with a client in their private chamber near Kutchery Square when unknown armed gunmen entered their chamber and opened fire on them, injuring Mr Rehman and two others.

The injured men were rushed to Nishtar Hospital, Multan,where doctors pronounced Rashid Rehman dead upon arrival.  The other two wounded are still receiving treatment and are said to be in critical condition.

Rehman was representing Junaid Hafeez who had been accused of a blasphemy, and a lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University who is currently facing trial on blasphemy charges.

Rehman, who was also a coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in Multan, had last month been threatened inside a courtroom in the Multan Central Jail.He had been attacked five times before Wednesday.However, he had manage to survive till now.

ASP (Assistant Superintendent Police) Cantt Ali Mardan Khosan said that he knew of the threats to Rehman, and that they were investigating the incident.

 The lawyers, who represent blasphemy accused and advocating against the misuse of blasphemy law ,are often being threatened to be killed by extremists and many have left the country to save their lives.


"On Tuesday,a Senior Christian Lawyer,Rana Latif Anwar very serious instructed me that I have to be careful because of my advocacy in blasphemy cases and particularly in the case of Asia Bibi and he also suggested me to arrange some security measures in my chamber," said Gill.

Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill ,a Human Rights Defender and Chief of LEAD and its staff,who himself under threats,strongly condemns the killing of HRCP's Advocate Rashid Rehman."We also do not know when and where we  will be killed due to our human rights work in Pakistan but such deadly and threatening incidents will not make us discourage in our Human Rights Work," added Gill.

MEP Jean Lambert Speaks out against Blasphemy laws and Asia Bibi's incarceration.

MEP Jan Lambert and Wilson Chowdhry Chair of the BPCA

MEP Jean Lambert, Chairperson for the European Parliament Delegations to South East Asia, Japan and India and BPCA Chairman Wilson Chowdhry met to discuss the blasphemy Law of Pakistan.  During the meeting they also discussed the failed attempts by the court system of Pakistan to hold an appeal hearing for innocent Christian victim Asia Bibi.

The BPCA organised the meeting for Saturday 3rd May after Asia's received a fourth appeal court date, which is fixed for 22nd May 2014.  Jean Lambert expressed her great sorrow for the ongoing prejudice faced by minorities in Pakistan. She explained that the European Parliament was constantly challenging Pakistan on it's blasphemy laws. Mrs Lambert said;

"At its last session in April, the European Parliament again expressed its concern at Pakistan's blasphemy laws - all too often used to settle scores or intimidate minorities, doing little to uphold the values they aim to protect ."

When asked about how the European Parliament was challenging  Pakistan to deliver on it's promises for a fair trial, in particular with regard to Asia Bibi, she said;

"The case of Asia Bibi's appeal hearing is raised in the resolution - along with a number of other cases. The Government of Pakistan must ensure that judges feel able to sit and to deliver a judgement based on law and credible evidence, not fear. Human rights are universal and indivisble: all citizens of Pakistan, whatever their belief, are entitled to justice and equality before the law. It is the responsibility of government to ensure those rights and act with compassion to those who are vulnerable - as Asia Bibi is."

Wilson Chowdhry Chairmen for the BPCA said;

"MEP Jean Lambert's visit to the BPCA and her sharing of the European Parliament's efforts towards creating a fairer society in Pakistan, is encouraging.  It demonstrates that the work of numerous humanitarian agencies, has finally highlighted the dire situations faced by previously forgotten minorities of Pakistan.  

He added;

"The European Parliament recently agreed a "Generalized System of Preference" scheme with Pakistan.  This means that trade between Europe and Pakistan for certain predetermined items, is now duty free. This will no doubt, increase trade and reciprocally prosperity in Pakistan. Eventually this agreement will place the European Parliament in a unique position of strength, by which they can lever humanitarian change in Pakistan, if they should so wish."

The Resolution can be found on the website of the European Parliament under Plenary, texts adopted 17th April 2014 (Click Here).

Learn more about the GSP Plus Scheme (Click Here)

BPCA publication on Pakistan's persecuted Minorities selling rapidly.

Stan Gain of Woodlands Christian Trust purchased our first ever copy!

Our publication "The targeting of Minorities 'Others' in Pakistan" has already received 28 orders which is a great testament to the desire for humanitarians to learn more about the diverse communities in Pakistan and the terrible suffering they face.

More importantly it justifies the committment made by the contributing writers from diverse faiths and the wonderful Professor Desmond Fernandes, who ensured this valuable comprehensive report is both fluid and cutting edge.

It is not too late to buy your own copy.  All proceeds will help the work of the BPCA, and initial sales in particular, will contribute towards our ongoing aid to the victims of the Peshawar bomb attack.

Price of book including P&P for UK, Europe, Pakistan and US.

P&P UK £18.30 GBP  P&P Europe £22.10 GBP  P&P Pakistan £25.65 GBP  P&P US and Canada £25.65 GBP

 

United Ecumenical Catholic Church in the UK dedicate regular Monday Mass for Pakistani Christians

Father Chris praying at our Redbridge Easter Parade.

a truly God inspired meeting with Father Chris of the Ecumenical Catholic Church in the UK at our Redbridge Easter Parade, we have maintained prayers and communication for one another.  

Father Julian, one of four clergy serving in the Portsmouth area, has been so moved by the suffering of Pakistani Christians, he has today initiated the first of many regular Masses to be offered for the persecuted church in Pakistan.  

Our regular monthly updates on the torrid situation faced by Christians will help Father Chris and Julian to focus down on the needs of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan.  

Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA said;

"Prayer is the most powerful weapon in the Christian Church and can break any stronghold.  It is thus the BPCA cherishes this regular commitment from impassioned hearts, seeking a positive change for an oppressed community."  

Father Julian informed us about the first mass today, he said;

"No time like the present - I just celebrated Mass for the intentions of the BPCA and will do so each and every Monday."

Father Chris Who spoke at our Easter Parade wrote to us in an email, which said;

Dear All,

We are proud to announce our full prayer support for British Pakistani Christian Association. As clergy members of United Ecumenical Catholic Church in UK, we have decided to remember of all matters that are important to you in our prayers. Every Monday, in our chapel in Portsmouth, Fr. Julian will celebrate a mass in your intentions. Fr. Chris will remember about all things close to your hearts during everyday morning prayer.

Let me, on this occasion, invite you to visit our website to check latest news (Click Here) and to contact us via emails (they are listed on the website).

With prayer,
Fr. Chris and Fr. Julian

Asia Bibi Appeal trial date set for fourth time.

This morning we received a text from Advocate Mushtaq Gill based in Lahore.  He has informed us that the appeal hearing for Asia Bibi has been set for a fourth time and will now be heard on 27th May 2014.  

Many of our regular readers will no doubt be sceptical of this date and concerned that once again the presiding judge will fail to attend the hearing.  That is why we ask concerned humanitarians of all faith to sign our petition below.  The petition calls for the Government to ensure that judges are made to feel safe enough to allow justice to prevail in this ongoing saga for innocent Asia.  We seek a Presidential Pardon for Asia if the judiciary is not bold enough to make a just decision. Asia has suffered the ignominy of imprisonment for five years despite worldwide affirmation of her innocence.  

If you have not yet signed our petition please click the link below to show your support;

(Click here)

If you have signed the petition, please do not sign it again, but encourage others to do so.

We implore those of you who care for Asia to pray for her safety throughout this turbulent time.  Already the target for extremists, she is forced to cook her own food after a number of attempts to poison her. She has remained resolute in her faith despite her situation and continues to pray every day.  if you would like to help her further by supporting our campaign (some of the funds will used for paying the travel and security costs for visits by her five children to her prison), please contribute using the following details;

If you would like to donate to our relief work our bank details are as follows:

Sort Code: 20-67-90

Account number: 63468976

Bank: Barclays

Ref:  Help for Asia Bibi

Alternatively if you would like to send a one of donation please use the pay-pal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog, or simply send a cheque made payable to the  BPCA  to our address;  57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.

Here is the text message shared by Advocate Mustaq Gill (sic);

Asia Bibi’s criminal appeal number 2509/2010 ‘Mst Asia Bibi vs The State etc' and murder reference 614/2010 ‘State Vs Mst Asia Bibi wife of Ashiq’ was fixed for hearing before the Lahore High Court Division Bench,Lahore.The next date of hearing is 27 May,2014 in the DB of Mr.Justice Anwar-Ul-Haq.

Excerpt from The Targeting Of 'Minority Others' in Pakistan 'Introduction'

Price of book including P&P for UK, Europe, Pakistan and US.

P&P UK £18.30 GBP P&P Europe £22.10 GBP P&P Pakistan £25.65 GBP P&P US and Canada £25.65 GBP

  

Chapter 1.1 Introduction by Wilson Chowdhry (Chairman BPCA)

This book- length report is one of the few collaborative efforts to highlight concerns on the treatment of minorities in Pakistan. Its wide –ranging coverage of issues pertaining to a number of different ‘Othered’ communities and groups living in Pakistan, with inputs by campaigners from varying minority groups, make it relatively unique. I felt challenged to coordinate the writing of this report as a means to highlight the ongoing persecution of minorities in Pakistan. Although the experience of the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) in the field is quite small in chronological terms, we have, in recent times, become one of the most effective and recognised voices in highlighting the plight felt by so many “Others”

For many readers, this may be the first time that the full scope of the atrocities that Pakistan’s minorities face every day will have become known to you. Some of you will be horrified by the accounts represented in our research – and others will be offended. If you feel offense, let me clarify that none of the accounts are fictional and all have been verified through supporting documents and reports, both online and paper, personal evidence and official reports. We have not tried to spin a story but have grown this report organically via the information gathered by contributors from their wide experience and sources. As a group, we are not ‘Anti – Pakistani’ but have a strong passion for improving the quality of life for all citizens of Pakistan. I have been banned from Pakistan for the human rights work and protests undertaken by the BPCA, and thus, have paid for my desire to help with separation from my family living in Pakistan.

Thank you for reading this and please know that your sharing, liking and commenting on this post goes a long way in helping to give voice to the persecuted.

All proceeds from the sale of the book support the work of the BPCA.  Much of the early sales will be used to support victims of the Peshawar bomb attacks - December 2013.

Humanitarians gather at Bahai celebration of Ridvan at House of Commons

Nice Smile!

Culture Secretary Eric Pickles was one of the guest speakers at this years All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Baha'i Faith.  Although his speech was rather lack lustre, he clearly has a remarkable jovial smile that has obviously been developed for photographs.  The event was held on Wednesday 30th April on the Terrace Pavilion of the House of Commons.

Rather more endearing was the quality of the welcoming speech made by the Baha'i representative who spoke of the history of the Baha'i Faith and its origins in Iran around 1863.    Her speech was spoken most eloquently, but had a strong heartfelt message of peace and unity during the most holy period of the Baha'i calendar.

Ridvan is a period of 12 days from 12 April - 2 May and is celebrated by the World's six Million strong Baha'i Community, as "the Most Great Festival."  It commemorates the dates in 1863 when Baha u llah, Founder of the Baha'i faith, revealed his mission to his family and friends.  

The evnet was used to galvanise the wider friendships of the Baha'i Community of the UK and I for one was grateful for the wonderful attempts made by the organisers to engage with Juliet Chowdhry, Wilson Chowdhry and Haroon Yousaf of the BPCA.  The organisers made every effort to connect potential work partnerships, by linking groups working in similar humanitarian fields.

Wilson Chowdhry said;

"Our relationship with the Bahai Community has developed over three years and has become one of deep admiration for each other's work.  These invites are never deemed trivial by the BPCA, we view each occasion as an opportunity to show solidarity for the other's cause, as both our communities suffer great persecution."    

He added;

"It was a privilege to stand united with our Baha'i brothers and to expand our own understanding of the richness of their culture."

The All-Party Group has two aims; to raise awareness within Parliament of the Baha'i faith and the efforts of the Bahai Community of the UK to contribute to the betterment of British Society, and to raise awareness of the persecution of Baha'is in Iran and other instances where Baha'is are subject to discrimination or oppression on the grounds of their faith.

Secretary of State for Culture Eric Pickles and Wilson Chowdhry Chair of the BPCA.

Revd Patrick Morrow of The Council of Christians and Jews with Juliet and Wilson

Vice-Chairperson Mr Shahid Khan and Press Secretary Miss Claire Fuller of Global Minorities Alliance withWilson Chowdhry.

Serge from Global Human Rights Defence and Wilson from BPCA.