Pakistan Christian Congress is Keen to Solve the Christians Issues in Pakistan: Albert Khokher

In the past, only males were accused of Blasphemy laws but now Christian women are also being targeted.

(ISLAMABAD, Pakistan) - The first Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC) convention was held in January 10, 1985 at Lahore. PCC is a voice of 20 Million Christians from every corner of Pakistan comprising members from all walks of life. Its manifesto includes six points (1) Equal Basic Democratic Rights (2) Representation Proportional to Population (3) Dual Voting (4) Opportunities for Youth (5) Religious Freedom and (6) Share in Power was approved by the PCC's Legal and Constitutional Committees. PCC is now restructuring and raising voice of Pakistani Christian.

For the last couple of decades, PCC has been watching the Pakistani political critical situation, and had planned to jump in for the betterment of the Pakistani Christians. Coming to the point "Situation of Christians in Pakistan".

Christians are neglected despite their God gifted abilities and thrown to the last rows in every walk of life in Pakistan. During school days Christian students are not even not allowed drink water from the common tap and not allowed to touch food items of utensils in school.

How are the feelings of a child while facing all of this discrimination during daily life. Still Christian Children keep struggling and bring highest marks, but their result/report Cards are only marked with third position or lowest grades. Christian Students are not allowed to have admission in colleges despite completing all requirements and criteria only in religion column of the admission form mentioned "Christian". Behavior of classmates, Teachers and administrations the same as were in the past. Results are not different as was in the school. Still Christian students keep moving with all new hopes. Government announced the quota but it’s just on papers, it’s another hard practice to avail this so called quota, said Albert Khokher.

The situation of Pakistani Christian Women workers is also very painful, no matter whether they are housemaids, nurses, office workers and also of where they work.

There is sexual harassment and then there is forced conversion. There are so many Christian women who have been facing this for decades but only a few were successful in receiving attention of international media. There are a lot more cases that remained unreported, as families were threatened to keep quiet to save further losses of their honor, properties and lives, added Khokher.

Talking about the discriminatory laws, he said the Blasphemy laws of Pakistan are like a living sword on Christians. Open and free misuse of blasphemy laws took many lives of innocent Christian youth in Pakistan, leaving behind their loves with everlasting tears.

Dozens were taken into custody by the police and law enforcement agencies under blasphemy laws and are missing now. Where they are kept or moved to; which jail etc., nobody knows. Upon inquiry there is no one to reply where they are kept and whether they are living or dead. Hundreds escaped only to save their life leaving behind everything.

Indeed this is terrible but it’s a fact that misuse of Blasphemy is increasing its circle day by day and the situation is getting worse with every second.

In the past, only males were accused of Blasphemy laws but now Christian women are also being targeted being the weaker part of the society.

The government of Pakistan, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary of Pakistan look handicapped to lawfully handle and deal with true and fair justice. Because of Muslim religious associations and Muslim religious leaders and indeed they are Muslim too. They first prefer to keep themselves safe and their religion. In this situation... which door is to be knocked upon to ask justice and protection? The Rinkle Kamari case is one of the examples decided in the apex court.

Electoral system in Pakistan for minorities is another problem. Minority members are selected not elected, there are two electoral system adopted at the moment in Pakistan, democratic and proportional. Majority members come through election but minority members are through proportional system. PCC demand election for minorities 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.