Pakistan Christian Congress Support MQM Referendum with Reservations

Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in his famous doctrine named “14 Points” issued during Pakistan Movement, promised “Separate Electorate” for Christians, Hindus and other religious minorities in Pakistan.

(ISLAMABAD, Pakistan) - Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC) said in a statement here on 8th November, that Pakistani Christian support MQM referendum on “Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam or Pakistan of Talban” to be held on November 14, 2012.

“Pakistani Christians have always demanded “Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam” according to his speech of August 11, 1947, in which founder of Pakistan laid out framework of Pakistan but now it has become State of Muslims only according to constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan of 1973” said Nazir Bhatti.

The PCC Chief urged Muthida Quomi Movement MQM to clarify before referendum that “Do MQM demands new elections for Legislative Assembly of Pakistan to legislate new constitution as Constitution of Peoples Republic of Pakistan instead of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan because founder of Pakistan termed Pakistan not to be only state of Muslims but also country of Christians, Hindus and other religious communities in Pakistan, in his policy statement of August 11, 1947?”

PCC had a 2nd question for MQM, that if MQM does not demand legislative Assembly elections “Will MQM demand repeal of Article 2, of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan of 1973, which reads as Islam shall be the State religion of Pakistan”?

The Founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in his famous doctrine named “14 Points” issued during Pakistan Movement, promised “Separate Electorate” for Christians, Hindus and other religious minorities in Pakistan.

MQM has also “Separate Electorate” for Pakistani religious minorities in its manifesto which was later abolished supporting Joint Electorate.

Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of PCC has questioned Altaf Hussain, Chief of MQM that if he demands “Pakistan of Quiad-e-Azam” will he endorses “Separate Electorate” for minorities in new elections as per 14 Point doctrine of founder of Pakistan?

PCC Chief said that Pakistani Christians demand Pakistan to Pakistan of Quai-e-Azam and support referendum announced by MQM but it’s very important that MQM must clarify its position on Article 2 and Article 51 of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

About Shamim Masih

"I am Christian rights activist and freelancer Pakistani journalist specializing in writing about Christians rights for the different papers in the world. My aim is to create a peaceful environment in the society and to help eliminate Christian persecution through my writing as I bring the plight of these brave people under the spotlight of the whole world."

Shamim Masih was born in Sheikhopura's village and raised in Gujranwala, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. He earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of the Punjab, Lahore majoring in English, Economics and Statistics; he also received a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

As a freelance writer and author, Shamim has written for different papers in the world; his expertise is in writing articles highlighting different social issues. He has served as freelance chief reporter and column writer in “Minority Times” in Islamabad, and a number of Shamim's articles have been published in local papers as well.