Pakistani Christians caught up in Monsoon rain - damage to Christian slums compounded by water released from large storage vats from city Mosque.

Pakistani Christians caught up in Monsoon rain

By Shamim Masih

ISLAMABAD: Intermittent rain is causing a minor deluge in most areas of the northern Punjab, KPK and Kashmir. The monsoon rain has broken the recent heat wave and many people are enjoying the cooler climate. However, slum areas of Islamabad are the areas where water has started to accumulate. Islamabad has so far received the highest levels of rainfall calculated around 128 millimetres and Rawalpindi's rainfall is close to 68 millimetres of rainfall.

Masses of water from the slum settlements again this summer, a consequence of the course of drainage waterways.  This has caused lots of destruction in the impoverished areas of the capital. 

Christians who make-up a majority in the slum areas, are facing critical challenges, as they grapple with the loss of house hold items, damaged homes, and often unusable roads.  There is a real lack of food in some areas and little or no shelter, in the most hard hit areas.

In addition, heavy water of Jamma e Hafsa (Lal Masjid) which has been stored in large vats since 2008, has been released to make room for the current rainfall.  The large volumes of water released by the opening of these water sheds compounded the natural monsoon rainfall creating further damage to Christian Properties.

Chief Cleric of Lal masjid Abdul Aziz opened the sheds of the water towards the Christian colony in sector G-7/3, which damaged their houses.  Despite petitions from the Christian community who were in direct line of the flow of the released water.

Floods have damaged a few parts of the country and the Christian communities are complaining that Governmental aid is not arriving in their areas.  They believe that aid agencies and the Government are overlooking them, a complaint that reverberates a reminder of previous years.    

The BPCA have organised a disaster relief fund to help the beleaguered Christian community of Islamabad.

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

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.

With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.

Chief Cleric Lal Masjid Maulna Abdul Aziz visiting the slum effected area with Basharat Khokher in G-7/3

Heavy machinery is used to open drainage of Jamma Hifza,

Basharat Khokher explains the loss suffered by Christians in G - 7/3

Travel is very unsafe.

Streets are water-logged due to poor drainage.  In many areas the sewage system has poured into the streets causing major health and safety concerns.

Drains overflow filling the streets with effuse.

A Sick Christian Man Beaten By Muslim employers In Gujranwala

We include the following story prima facie as we received it from the group VOP Christians.

'According to details, Bagga Masih was working for local Chaudhrys attending their cattle, but because of illness he did remained absent which angered them. On 24th of July at about 8:30 he was brutally beaten by two Chaudharys for not attending his duty.
According to witnesses, Bagga Masih is a 55 year old Christian man employed by Chaudhry Qasim Butt and Chaudhry Rauf Butt to look after their cattle for Rupees 3000 per month. They revealed that,”on the eve of 23rd July 2013 Bagga Masih got sick and could not go to attend his duty.
He got medical assistance from the village doctor that evening. However, due to the weakness resulting from high fever he could not go the house of Chaudhary Qasim Butt and Chaudhary Rauf Butt. On this Chaudhary Qasim Butt went to the residence of poor Bagga Masih at 8.00 am and forced him to attend his duty. Bagga Masih an old man of 55 years expressed his inability to do so because of the high fever and weakness he was suffering from. On this Chaudhary Qasim Butt got infuriated and started abusing him and went back after threatening Bagga Masih of dire consequences.”
“About half an hour later Chaudhry Qasim Butt & Chaudhry Rauf Butt came back to Bagga Masih’s house with their accomplices and asked Bagga Masih to come out. As soon as he come out they attacked him and gave him a severe thrashing. His daughters Nazia and Shazia and his daughter in law Shahnaz Bibi requested them to leave him but they kept on beating him mercilessly. In a fit of rage they kicked his 8 years old grand-daughter also when she came to save him. Then Chaudhry Qasim Butt and Rauf Butt took Bagga Masih to their house and kept on torturing him till that evening. Later, local elders went to Chaudharys’ house to free Bagga Masih from his illegal custody. According to our information a local Sabir Masih and some of his friends took him to Civil Hospital in a precarious condition with a broken arm and in a state of unconsciousness. Chaudhry Qasim used a piece of ladder studded with rusted nails in this brutal and inhuman torture,” they continued.
What’s more, Baga Masih approached a local hospital for medical treatment and certification from doctors but the hospital administration showed reluctance in issuing him a medical certificate primarily because of influence of Chaudhrys in the area. In addition the police also showed reluctance to register an FIR against the nominated Chaudhrys as well.
For that reason, Rev. Dr. Wilson John Gill visited Bagga Masih in hospital and prayed for his health.'

Source : Vop Christians, but also the same story is here for instance.

Newly Elected Pakistani Government refuses to celebrate state celebration termed "Minorities day,"as it would tarnish Islamic Eid Celebrations!

Despite a lack of of interest from the newly elected Government of Pakistan towards celebrating Minorities Day, Christian Groups made an effort

Pakistan United Christian Movement (PUCM) held a celebration termed "Equality Day," in Rawal Pindi yesterday (Sunday 11th August 2013), on the day designated as "Pakistan Minorities Day" in 2009, after a concerted campaign from assassinated Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti. 

The day signifies Quaid-e-Azam’s speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11 1947 in which he had said, “You may belong to any religion or caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the State.”

The leaders presented a paper on how minorities are being targeted by extremists in Pakistan.  and expressed their distaste that the existing Government of Pakistan "Are in no mood for celebrating Minorities’ day."

Information Minister Pervez Rashid in a Public statement had said that the day was not being celebrated as it fell within Eid holidays.  He said;

“Though Pakistan is going through a testing time—but minorities are on our priority list,” 

Talking to the gathering at Christian Study Centre – CSC Albert David, Chairman PUCM criticized the government, declaring that Chrisians held the position of "second class citizens" in the country. 

"Minorities have been ignored by the current government. August 11th was not only a day where Christians were included as part of the whole nation, but a clearly defined as important to the members of the Constituent Assembly," he said.

Tahir Naveed Chaudhry Ex-MPA  launched a new political party this Minorities’ day. Talking to the media at the launching ceremony of Pakistan Minority Alliance- PMA, he said'

"I will continue the struggle of Shaheed Shahbaz Bhatti, who played an important role, in improving the lives of Pakistani Minorities. I will continue the mission he started"

Samuel Yaqoob, Chairman Muslim Masihi Ithad, led a protest outside the Press Club Islamabad. He stated, 

"We have equal rights according to the founders’ speech, but religious extremists are trying to divide citizens of the country."

On behalf of British Pakistani Christian Association BPCA, Shamim Masih, a journalist and representative of the group in Pakistan, held a historic meeting with leaders from key faiths in Lahore.  An agreement was made for a peace mural to be incorporated at Joseph Colony Badami Bagh, Lahore that will promote tolerance and peace.  Shamim Masih spoke about the project;  

"Work will begin as soon as funds have reached our target amount and the project itself will be a collaboration of many faiths and will incorporate a myriad design using key motifs of all major faiths."

Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA said;

"The Government of Pakistan has illustrated that they will not tolerate the celebration of Minorities living in the country, during the holy period of Eid. Article 2 of Pakistan's Constitution clearly states; "

Islam shall be the State religion of Pakistan." and this fact alone enshrines a principle that all other faiths are secondary, and a natural pariah status to believer of non-Islamic teachings. The Christian community of Pakistan have upheld Minority Day celebrations, despite Governmental insouciance and we pray that this will not manifest in attacks on our communities." He added;  "We challenged Shamim Masih to hold dialogue with faith leaders of all faiths near the recent attack on St Joseph's Community.  Our intent was to create an art feature that could act as a beacon of hope for future generations, whilst symbolising the futility of hatred and intolerance.  The meeting was purposefully held on "Minorities Day", as Jinnah's words and Shahbaz Bhatti's efforts have made this date symbolic in the cause of interfaith harmony.  If we are able to successfully install our monument, it will probably be Pakistan's first multi-faith artwork project.  This could become a trigger, for a more collaborative approach to tackling equality issues in the country." Art has been intrinsic to cultural, social and political reform globally. The BPCA is seeking donations towards this latest project that has multi-faith support and will no doubt be a first in a nation whose main art influences are specifically Islamic exclusively.  If you would like to contribute please use the following details: Bacs transfers can be made to our bank account:  Sort Code: 20-67-90 Account number: 63468976 Bank: Barclays 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.

Minorities Day Pakistan a day to remember those persecuted in Pakistan

Statement of USCIRF’s Chairman Dr. Robert George concerning Minorities Day in Pakistan this Sunday.

On Sunday, August 11, Pakistan will celebrate National Minorities Day, giving recently-elected Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif his first formal opportunity to recognize the value of religious minority communities to the nation. 

Created in 2011, this day is a bittersweet irony for Pakistan.  

On the one hand, it recalls the inclusive and tolerant vision of the past: of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's founder, whose speech to the nation on August 11, 1947 included these words:

"You are free.  You are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship...You may belong to any religion or caste or creed - that has nothing to do with the business of the state."

On the other hand, it highlights the stark realities of the present: how Pakistan has betrayed Jinnah's vision by failing to fulfill his words with concrete actions that protect religious minorities from harm.  Indeed, Islamabad has done little to stem a rising tide of violence against members of Pakistan's Ahmadi, Christian, Hindu, Shi'a, and Sikh communities.

Last month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the findings from its Pakistan Religious Violence Project.  Tracking publicly reported attacks against religious communities over the past 18 months, the project collected alarming data that catalogued the human toll of Pakistan's intolerance and hatred.  During that time period, there were more than 200 incidents of sectarian violence that led to 1,800 casualties, including more than 700 deaths.

Many of those killed or injured were Shi'a citizens, with some of the most lethal assaults taking place during Shi'a holy months and pilgrimages.  During the year-and-a-half period covered by the study, there were 77 attacks against the Shi'a, 54 against Ahmadis, 37 against Christians, 16 against Hindus, and 3 against Sikhs.

Since the publication of USCIRF's report, the death toll has continued to rise.  On July 27, at least 57 people were killed and more than 150 wounded by bombs targeting a market frequented by Shi'a in northwestern Pakistan.

To his credit, Sharif raised concerns about the plight of religious minorities in his maiden speech to Pakistan's National Assembly and tasked his government to crack down on militants targeting the Shi'a.  Hopefully his comments reflect a realization that the time for mere talk and symbolism has passed and that resolute action is needed to ensure that the perpetrators of violence against religious communities are arrested, prosecuted, and jailed along with the violent extremist groups that have spurred the bloodshed. 

Moreover, police officers must be held accountable for thwarting justice when they turn a blind eye to attacks or refuse to file police reports when the victims are religious minorities.  With luck, Sharif's comments also intimate that the government will reconsider its enforcement of blasphemy and anti-Ahmadi laws which violate international human rights standards and encourage extremist attacks on perceived transgressors.  Just recently, a Christian man, Sajjad Masih, was found guilty of denigrating the Prophet Mohammed and sentenced to life imprisonment, despite the accuser recanting.  He joins nearly 40 others who either are on death row or serving life sentences for allegedly blasphemous activity. 

Interestingly, Masih's sentencing occurred on the eve of the fourth anniversary of attacks against Christians in Punjab in the village of Gojra -- where Masih is from -- in which eight were killed, 18 were injured, two churches and at least 75 houses were burned, and not a single perpetrator was brought to justice. 

Pakistan's surreal inversion of justice, in which some are punished for alleged words and beliefs while others commit literal acts of violence against them with impunity and without consequence, must end.  Sharif's government must prove it is serious about ending this dual attack on its most vulnerable citizens.  One simple step it can take immediately is to reopen the Federal Ministry of Interfaith Harmony and reaffirm its mission of promoting respect for members of all religious communities, particularly religious minorities. In the meantime, USCIRF will keep monitoring the situation and the Sharif government to determine whether it should continue recommending that the United States designate Pakistan a "country of particular concern," marking it as among the world's most egregious violators of freedom of religion or belief.

Sixty-six years ago, Pakistan's founding father laid a dream of equality and freedom before his nation.  It is time for Pakistan's government to honor that dream not merely by repeating its words, but enacting it through deeds.

http://afpak.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/08/09/pakistans_religious_minorities_problem

Robert P. George is the Chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Flood alert in Pakistan

We have received word that there are flood alerts in Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab, with a handful of deaths and injuries already reported due to heavy rain collapsing buildings.  Government agencies have issued severe flood warnings for several rivers over the next couple of days.

Cable Operator reacts to refusal to pay additional fees for Cable service for Christians, by organising armed attack on community near St Joseph's.

Image of some of the bricks thrown at local Christians of Shad Bagh

Lahore: A Muslim mob equipped with lethal arms attacked the Christian Colony of Shad Bagh in the metropolitan area of Lahore on July 28, 2013, vandalizing a Catholic Church and homes of Christians.  One Christian was injured with a severe bullet wound.


“On Sunday July 28, 2013 at about 4:00 pm, a local resident Martian Javed Michel a social justice activist, informed us about the overwrought situation of Christians and Muslims in Shad Bagh, Amir Road near Joseph Colony Lahore. He advised us that an infuriated mob of Muslims attacked houses of the local Christians and one Catholic Church with deadly weapons.

The local Christian residents have told us that a Muslim television cable operator named Faisal Butt, who has a criminal background and an extremely poor attitude towards Christians, was charging extra fees for TV cable connections for Christians. 

About a month ago Faisal Butt and his companions had a dispute with a Christian widow and attacked the woman and her children, whilst demanding extra fees. 

On July 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm one of Mr Butt's helpers named Asad was collecting cable fees in the Christian Colony, Shad Bagh. He also came to a Babu Younis house and asked for the fees also.   Babu UYounis has allowed his property to be a booster site for the Cable connections locally.  He informed Asad of this agreement and stated he was not required to provide the fees. Despite this agreement Asad was trying to force Babu Younis to pay the money for cable fees.  Babu replied that he would remove the booster station form his house if he was required to pay the fee.  On hearing this Asad became furious and started to beat him.  Christians Neighbours rallied to help Babu Younis, and the matter was resolved temporarily.

After one an hour Faisal Butt came along with a group of 30-35 people all armed with deadly weapons. They began to open fire in the air and also started throwing stones and bricks on the Christians houses of Shad Bagh Colony. They also attacked the Catholic Church and broke the glass of the church windows. They shouted abuse at local Christians and caused much terror and anxiety.

Riaz Masih s/o Babu Younis received a shot to his leg and was severely injured. Vejay Masih s/o Niamat Masih who suffers form cancer, was injured after being struck by the butt of a pistol on his forehead. There were a few other victims who suffered injuries. The aggressors fired on Christian houses for over one hour and on leaving warned Christians that their houses would be burned just like St Joseph Colony,  if they took legal action against the perpetrators.

Local residents have shared their plight with Chaudhry Shahbaz MPA (Member of Provincial Assembly), a politician form Muslim League -N, the ruling party in Pakistan.  Some Christians went with Babu Younis to the concerned police station Shad Bagh, Lahore to lodge a legal case FIR (First Information Report) against Faisal Butt and his companions for this violent attack. On the same day Police arrested the main accused Faisal Butt while others had absconded.

Wilson Chowdhry said;

"This attack so soon after the Attack on St Joseph's Colony has terrified local people.  Even so they have been bold enough to speak out to local authorities and their courage is commendable.  Threats are still being received by this community.  Please pray for justice for this community and a rapid return to normality. Please also pray for the victim who was shot and his speedy recovery."

Another couple from Gojra become blasphemy victims.

By Shamim Masih

Gojra: Shagufta Kausar accused of blasphemy case seeks bail on 1^st August in Additional Session Judge in Gojra.

World Vision In Progress – WVIP filed the bail application for the Shagufta today in the court of the Additional Session Judge. Police sources told that due to unavoidable reasons, they couldn’t investigate the case accordingly so the official requested the court to hear the matter on August 1, 2013.

Family of the accused couple requested WVIP to provide legal assistance to Shagufta and Shafaqat accused of a blasphemy case.

WVIP management has assigned this duty to its legal team consist of Advocate Salvance Jacob and Nadeem Hassan. Tahir Naveed Ch, the attorney involved in the case of  Rimsha Masih has also offered his voluntarily services to WVIP.  WVIP have accepted his services with thanks and have included him in the attorney penal for couple.

Earlier the couple was arrested after alleged blasphemous text messages were sent from a phone belonging to them.