How the Christians of Pakistan are Being Treated According To LEAD

We, the Christians of Pakistan, need to start working hard to attain positions where our voices can be heard loud and clear by our fellow Christians in the world..

Photo courtesy: LEAD

(LAHORE, Pakistan LEAD) - Church, Scholars, lawyers and members of civil society are discussing the deteriorating situation of the Christians and threats posed by the religious extremists and society’s outdated customs. It is our duty to take your attention to injustices, prejudices and discrimination, which are being faced by Christians of Pakistan.

Root Level Serious Issues of Pakistani Christians

Religious Discrimination: We receive many complaints and applications regarding different issues of persecution and discrimination in Pakistan. On 26 June, 2013, LEAD's lawyers submitted a Writ Petition No. 16117/2013 in The Lahore High Court Lahore in which it was requested and prayed to direct the respective Government Departments to implement the notifications Nos. 4/15/94-R-2 of 26th May, 2009, SOR-III (S&GAD) 1-35/93, dated 23 October, 2009 and SOR-III(S&GAD) 1-35/93 dated 27 March, 2010 in which right of 5% quota in all kinds of jobs was given to religious minorities but that was not implemented by any single government institution and department. We are waiting for the decision of Court.

Economic Persecution:  We are getting information and requests from different people regarding the issues and problems of sanitary workers. They are complaining that there are a number of vacancies of sanitary worker positions filled by Muslims almost in every city and town and these Muslims just get the salaries and do not perform their duty. We are going to file a writ petition regarding this serious issue in Lahore High Court Lahore.

We heard from different Christians that they are being deprived the right to jobs in the private sector too. Because of their Christian faith sometimes they are openly and straight forwardly told and sometimes in hidden ways they are ignored and refused.

Religious Hatred: The main problem is the religious hatred among Pakistanis. The Muslims claim that Pakistan is for Islam. Other religious minorities feel unsafe and insecure because of this claim. Pakistan should be for Pakistani not for any particular religion.

Blasphemy laws: The promulgation and misuse of the blasphemy laws against Pakistani Christians is one of the biggest concerns for us.

After Joseph Colony issue oneother heart breaking incident happened at Pattoki

Three Christian Women Beaten and Publicly Humiliated in Village

Sereser Chak No.21 Pattoki. At that time, the women were sleeping in the house along with their father-in-law Sadiq Masih, 73, and mother-in-law Rani Bibi, 70. The mob invaded the house and started looking for Masih’s sons, but when they could not find his sons, they started beating the three women.

We, the Christians of Pakistan, need to start working hard to attain positions where our voices can be heard loud and clear by our fellow Christians in the world and only then will our problems be put in front of the top hierarchy of the Church and The Politicians and some good hearted Christians will stand with us to resolve and solve these issues.

LEAD is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, we are motivated by God’s grace and love to serve all people regardless of race, religion gender or ethnicity.

In Christ,

LEAD