Christians are Equal Pakistani Citizens, PUCM Aims for Equality: Albert David

PUCM strongly believes in the participation of the women and youth in all aspects of social life and especially politics

Photos: Shamim Masih

(RAWALPINDI, Pakistan) - Pakistani Christians are as equal as any other Pakistani, Pakistan United Christian Movement (PUCM) stepped to ensure fundamental rights of Christians and equality in the country, said Albert David.

PUCM has announced its executive committee which will work on manifesto and out to the Christians on a grass root level. Executive committee unanimously selected Mr. Albert David as chairman of the committee and rests of the members are as under: Mr. Arif Gill, Mr. Simon Bazel, Ms. Salma Peter John, Mr. Shiraz Sadiq, Mr. Bin hur Gill, Mrs. Janet Robert, Mr. Ashir.

Pakistan United Christians Movement (PUCM), a Christian political party was launched, envisioning a tolerant, just, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. They want a land where all citizens are ensured equality, not to be judged by color cast or creed but by their allegiance to the motherland. He said that PUCM had entered the Pakistani political arena to promote unity among Christians and for their strong and visible role in the national politics.

Talking to the participants of the launching ceremony Mr. Albert David said that PUCM discourage the present electoral system of selection for minority’s representatives. The selection system adopted for the minority members has opened the doors of corruption. He emphasized that the current system is discouraging and is a blockade for new and young leadership to emerge. The people who make their way to the assemblies by virtue of this system are not the true representatives of non-Muslims. Big Pakistani political parties do not have right to hand picks non Muslim representatives on the basis of their liking, he added.

He urged the government to have true census to ensure the true numbers of non -Muslims, Christians in particular. Representation in all fields including legislative institutions should reflect these numbers. He requested the chief election commissioner to ensure true democratic electoral system for non-Muslim Pakistanis in the coming election, as the current system was a violation of Article 226 of the constitution. He also demanded for allocation of seats for non-Muslims women in assemblies.

PUCM strongly believes in the participation of the women and youth in all aspects of social life and especially politics, presence of youth and women in large numbers ensured that PUCM has their support, he claimed.

Other speakers have also stressed on the working together for the solidarity of the country. They encouraged PUCM for initiating the equality movement for Christian’s rights and promised to work along together for the unity of the country.

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.

You can write to Shamim at this address: shamimpakistan@gmail.com