Pakistan: Election 2013

"when someone forces them to join their rally by showing them a gun, they give in" - Basharat Khokhar, a human rights activist

Salem-News.com's Shamim Masih. Photo: slantedright2.blogspot.com

(ISLAMABAD) - Christians congratulate the nation for the successful completion of parliamentary elections and are willing to work with the newly elected government for the prosperity of the country.

Shamim Masih, President Reformation for Empowerment and Alleviation of Poverty – REAP and a journalist, while congratulating PML-N party’s victory in the 2013 general election, has demanded the party appoint Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to protect minorities’ rights as he has committed during his election campaign.

Pakistani Christians religiously and historically have proven to be loyal to their land and always been subservient to its governments. It’s every Christian’s religious obligation to be obedient to masters.

As it is written in the Bible; “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters and to please them well in all things; not answering again”. Titus 2:9 It is further written “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward”. 1-Peter 2:8

The previous government was busy in their luxurious life of being in government and sidelined the religious minorities. Many hope that the PML-N government will restore the ministry of Minorities Affairs which was transformed into Ministry of National Harmony which was established in 2011.

Social rights activist’s organizations welcome the coming government. World Vision in Progress – WVIP representatives said "we hope that PML-N will stop the misuse of blasphemy laws and force conversion."

Albert David, Chairman of the Pakistan United Christian Movement PUCM, who launched candidates in this election, said that minority candidates are elected under proportional representation system, but minority voters cast votes for Muslim candidates running for national and provincial constituencies. The PUCM chief demanded that the PML-N chief will ensure equal opportunities for members of minority communities.

Basharat Khokhar, a human rights activist, said that our community is already living below the poverty line, and "when someone forces them to join their rally by showing them a gun, they give in". He urged that successful minority candidates actively advance minority’s interest instead of towing their respective parties’ line.

Tariq Chaman, President of Union of Minority and Journalist of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, congratulated the PML-N chief and he wants Christians to be given proper jobs in government departments and not just sweeper positions. He further vows that when Mian Sharif expressed his willingness to take all parties on board but stopped short from crediting minority voters’ contribution towards his party’s Muslim candidate success. He hoped that the history will not repeat during PML-N rule and minorities will live in peace.