Saturday, 15 December 2012
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Book on churches in Pakistan launched
By Peerzada Salman | From the Newspaper | 27th September, 2011
The book is a tribute to Pakistani Christians who had done so much for the country. – Photo by Nadir Siddiqui/Dawn.com
Introducing the book to the audience, head of a publishing firm Iqbal Saleh Mohammad said it was a tribute to Pakistani Christians who had done so much for the country.
He said there were many an unsung and unremembered member of the Christian community who had served Pakistan in different capacities. He began by naming S.P. Singha and Mr Gibbons, who before partition voted in favour of the division of Punjab in the legislative assembly. He also talked about Brig Harold Boyd Rodham, an Indian army officer, who after partition opted for Pakistan and joined the Pakistan Army. He touched upon the invaluable services rendered by Justice Cornelius to Pakistan – he was a judge even before independence and became the Chief Justice of Pakistan after 1947.
Squadron Leader W.D. Harney and Wing Commander Mervyn Leslie Middlecoat were given a mention. He said despite the fact that the Christian community comprised only three per cent of the country’s total population, its contribution was significant.
He claimed that one of the many feats that the book would achieve was that it’d make students aware of an outstanding minority.
He claimed that one of the many feats that the book would achieve was that it’d make students aware of an outstanding minority.
Journalist Asif Noorani spiced up his speech with anecdotes from his personal life.
He said Churches of Pakistan was not one of those books which couldn’t be judged by their covers. He showered praise on the picture of a church in Nathiagali on the cover of the book.Discussing various architectural styles of churches, he said if Karachi’s St Lawrence’s Church had elements of Mughal architecture in it, St Patrick’s was made in a Romanesque style and was an example of sublime beauty. Describing the salient features of the book, he said the pictures in it (taken by Javaid Kazi) weren’t manipulated and the text was informative.
Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Javed Leghari echoed Mr Noorani’s feelings and said he’d personally seen that church in Nathiagali and thought it was a beautiful work of architecture. He pointed out contributions of members of the Christian community and added the name of the slain minister Shahbaz Bhatti to the list.
He rounded off his speech by informing the audience about the different programmes undertaken by the HEC in relation to the churches of the country.
Country Director of the British Council David Martin, who was the chief guest of the event, said the history of Christianity in Pakistan was not a new phenomenon; its roots went farther in the past.
He said, as given in the book, Christianity reached the subcontinent about the same time, if not earlier, when it reached some remote areas of Europe. He said the pictures in the book had strong symbolism and commented that churches were not built in a religious vacuum – they involved local architectural techniques and fashions of the time, which was why in some churches one saw Victorian or Edwardian Gothic style and in others Romanesque. He said Christian tradition drew on many values, and its followers had not always had an easy ride.
Deputy High Commissioner Francis Campbell said the book illustrated that the presence of churches in Pakistan was not just a relic of the past but had a vibrant presence. It also illustrated the contribution of a minority to a wider society.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Need of Christian University in Pakistan
The importance of higher education to meet the standard
policy of merit is more in present in Pakistan for the Christian nation
to compete in all walks of life with Muslim majority, but unfortunately
they are unable to qualify, causing social and eco
According to statistical data of Christian population, only 6%
have the primary school education only able to read and write, 4% of
Christians have the high school education that they are eligible to
compete on grade 4 pay scale jobs in government and semi government
institutions, 1% Christians have the college education and able to
compete on grade12 to 17 pay scale government jobs, 0.5% Christians have
the higher studies and professional education. These figures surface
very alarming situation, when education percentage in Pakistan of
general population is 13%. The Christians are 13% of total population
and have ratio of 8% of education comparing to the total population of
the country.
Its very important to discuss that missionary schools were source of education of 57% in Pakistan in 1947 at the time of independent of Pakistan when these institution existed and were established in British colonial period in sub continent of India. In 1965 the government schools took lead and missionary schools dropped to 35% of participation in education of the county. Its very clear that if missionary schools have played positive role to educate Christian community and paid due consideration in uplift programmers, the rate of percentage among Christian have been up to 100% in education till 1972 when these institutions were nationalized by the government and there were missionary schools in every major city and town of Pakistan with 5 colleges in provincial capitals.
In general, up to 1973 Christians have the 5% quota of admissions in engineering, medical and other higher education institutes of Pakistan. The few doctors and engineers in Christian community now visible are the fruit of that quota system only. Unfortunately the missionary schools run by different church groups in Pakistan never showed any interest in establishment of any professional college or to up grade to university level to any of their colleges in Pakistan.
The 5 % admission quota for Christian students was abolished under Islamic republic constitution of Pakistan of 1973 and merit on admissions was declared as principal policy. The government of Pakistan adopted double standards on existing merit policy when they declared the urban quota, the rural area quota, governors quota, chief ministers quota, prime ministers quota, president of Pakistan quota, children of armed forces quota, professors quota, Kashmir refugees quota, members of parliament quota and businessmen quota on specific amount of donations in the medical and engineering colleges in Pakistan. All these quota categories were used for admissions of Muslims who were unable to get admissions on merit in the colleges but the Christians were set out of these privileges of quota system in the name of merit. The poor economic conditions and lack of resources bared them to concentrate in studies and achieve merit in examinations and were also un able to approach for the political quota seats when Muslim prefer to recommend their quota seats to their Muslim relatives and political elements. Its crystal clears that door of education in higher study institutes were totally closed by the government in Pakistan in 1973 for Christian students.
It can easily viewed under these facts that when academic institutions established and run in name of Christianity in Pakistan failed to serve and doors of government education were also shut on Christians, what shall be the economic and social situations of Christians in Pakistan? On other hand, the society of Pakistan was in practice of the social evil and curse of touch ability and Christian students were forced to leave the Muslim and government run schools, where they faced hate on religion basis and Muslim students hated to drink water from same taps or utensils with Christians in schools and colleges.
Ch James Dean, a Christian political leader in 1970 from Karachi was the first to stress upon establishment of Christian university in Pakistan. He prepared complete paper work on the Christian university project and used to present it in public gathering and other public meetings in Pakistan. He was of the view that Christian university can only fulfill the future needs of Christian youth. I participated along with him in public protest processions when the government nationalized the missionary schools and colleges in Pakistan on allegations of, that missionary schools have been running as business concerns by churches and general public is not beneficiary of these highly paid academic institutes in 1972. He urged the government that nationalization of Christian institutes is to completely close the doors of education for Christian youth in Pakistan. It was fact that very low fraction of Christians had opportunity to enter in these schools and enjoy the privileges of education. After the nationalization of missionary schools, the task of Ch. James Dean is came more difficult in Pakistan and establishment of Christian university remained a dream. He was true leader and sincere in his efforts always
When we discuss the importance of higher education institutes in sub continent of India, established by the religious communities for betterment and education of their future generations, its on record that Muslims in sub continent of India established oriental college and upgraded it to Muslim university in aligrah in 1920, when Muslim community experienced that Hindu majority is ahead of them in civil services and its important for Muslim youth to study English and to avail opportunity of higher education to compete with Hindu majority. No doubt, that Aligrah Muslim university played vital and positive role for Muslims to regain their standards in society and to made their way in the administration of the state.
Recently in Pakistan, the Agha Khan community have established a university in Karachi which have emerged as major professional institution in Pakistan to educate their community as well as the general population of Pakistan,
On other hand few Christians tried to follow the dream of Ch. James Dean to establish Christian university but these so called religious and social leaders have been using this issue to collect funds and use them for their personal benefits and Christian university is still on papers only,
In these circumstances its need of time to establish professional colleges and Christian university in Pakistan to set forth the new generation to face the requirements of new millennium and play their role in the welfare of the general population of Pakistan. The nationalized schools were denationalized and handed over to churches by the government in 1980 in Sindh province and in 2001 the Punjab provincial government followed the denationalization of missionary schools. Now when these missionary schools are again in the hands of churches, it requires the revolutionary changes to grant admission to poor Christians on priority in these schools. New professional colleges and university may be founded that Christian students may reach in these new established professional colleges to compete on merit with Muslim majority in all walks of life. The establishment of private educational institutes is not bared by laws and is even practiced by different Muslim communities in Pakistan and Christians have right time to step forward in establishments of Christian university unless it too late again because better education and higher education is the only solution to the problems of Pakistani Christians.
Nazir S Bhatti
.
Its very important to discuss that missionary schools were source of education of 57% in Pakistan in 1947 at the time of independent of Pakistan when these institution existed and were established in British colonial period in sub continent of India. In 1965 the government schools took lead and missionary schools dropped to 35% of participation in education of the county. Its very clear that if missionary schools have played positive role to educate Christian community and paid due consideration in uplift programmers, the rate of percentage among Christian have been up to 100% in education till 1972 when these institutions were nationalized by the government and there were missionary schools in every major city and town of Pakistan with 5 colleges in provincial capitals.
In general, up to 1973 Christians have the 5% quota of admissions in engineering, medical and other higher education institutes of Pakistan. The few doctors and engineers in Christian community now visible are the fruit of that quota system only. Unfortunately the missionary schools run by different church groups in Pakistan never showed any interest in establishment of any professional college or to up grade to university level to any of their colleges in Pakistan.
The 5 % admission quota for Christian students was abolished under Islamic republic constitution of Pakistan of 1973 and merit on admissions was declared as principal policy. The government of Pakistan adopted double standards on existing merit policy when they declared the urban quota, the rural area quota, governors quota, chief ministers quota, prime ministers quota, president of Pakistan quota, children of armed forces quota, professors quota, Kashmir refugees quota, members of parliament quota and businessmen quota on specific amount of donations in the medical and engineering colleges in Pakistan. All these quota categories were used for admissions of Muslims who were unable to get admissions on merit in the colleges but the Christians were set out of these privileges of quota system in the name of merit. The poor economic conditions and lack of resources bared them to concentrate in studies and achieve merit in examinations and were also un able to approach for the political quota seats when Muslim prefer to recommend their quota seats to their Muslim relatives and political elements. Its crystal clears that door of education in higher study institutes were totally closed by the government in Pakistan in 1973 for Christian students.
It can easily viewed under these facts that when academic institutions established and run in name of Christianity in Pakistan failed to serve and doors of government education were also shut on Christians, what shall be the economic and social situations of Christians in Pakistan? On other hand, the society of Pakistan was in practice of the social evil and curse of touch ability and Christian students were forced to leave the Muslim and government run schools, where they faced hate on religion basis and Muslim students hated to drink water from same taps or utensils with Christians in schools and colleges.
Ch James Dean, a Christian political leader in 1970 from Karachi was the first to stress upon establishment of Christian university in Pakistan. He prepared complete paper work on the Christian university project and used to present it in public gathering and other public meetings in Pakistan. He was of the view that Christian university can only fulfill the future needs of Christian youth. I participated along with him in public protest processions when the government nationalized the missionary schools and colleges in Pakistan on allegations of, that missionary schools have been running as business concerns by churches and general public is not beneficiary of these highly paid academic institutes in 1972. He urged the government that nationalization of Christian institutes is to completely close the doors of education for Christian youth in Pakistan. It was fact that very low fraction of Christians had opportunity to enter in these schools and enjoy the privileges of education. After the nationalization of missionary schools, the task of Ch. James Dean is came more difficult in Pakistan and establishment of Christian university remained a dream. He was true leader and sincere in his efforts always
When we discuss the importance of higher education institutes in sub continent of India, established by the religious communities for betterment and education of their future generations, its on record that Muslims in sub continent of India established oriental college and upgraded it to Muslim university in aligrah in 1920, when Muslim community experienced that Hindu majority is ahead of them in civil services and its important for Muslim youth to study English and to avail opportunity of higher education to compete with Hindu majority. No doubt, that Aligrah Muslim university played vital and positive role for Muslims to regain their standards in society and to made their way in the administration of the state.
Recently in Pakistan, the Agha Khan community have established a university in Karachi which have emerged as major professional institution in Pakistan to educate their community as well as the general population of Pakistan,
On other hand few Christians tried to follow the dream of Ch. James Dean to establish Christian university but these so called religious and social leaders have been using this issue to collect funds and use them for their personal benefits and Christian university is still on papers only,
In these circumstances its need of time to establish professional colleges and Christian university in Pakistan to set forth the new generation to face the requirements of new millennium and play their role in the welfare of the general population of Pakistan. The nationalized schools were denationalized and handed over to churches by the government in 1980 in Sindh province and in 2001 the Punjab provincial government followed the denationalization of missionary schools. Now when these missionary schools are again in the hands of churches, it requires the revolutionary changes to grant admission to poor Christians on priority in these schools. New professional colleges and university may be founded that Christian students may reach in these new established professional colleges to compete on merit with Muslim majority in all walks of life. The establishment of private educational institutes is not bared by laws and is even practiced by different Muslim communities in Pakistan and Christians have right time to step forward in establishments of Christian university unless it too late again because better education and higher education is the only solution to the problems of Pakistani Christians.
Nazir S Bhatti
.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Friday, 9 November 2012
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Monday, 5 November 2012
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Akram Gill seeks PML-Q ticket from NA-129
Akram Gill seeks PML-Q ticket from NA-129
LAHORE - Pakistan Muslim League senior central leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ch Parvez Elahi held a meeting with Minister of State for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill who called on him at his residence here today.
Akram Masih Gill demanded of Ch Parvez Elahi that he should be nominated to contest general election from NA-129 Younhanabad, Lahore, a constituency having significant population of the Christian community.
On this occasion, Ch Parvez Elahi said that PML had always worked for protecting the rights of the minorities and will continue to do so in future as well. He, however, did not confirm ticket to Mr Gill, but assured him that his demand would be considered in the party.
Pervaiz further said it was during his tenure that a ministry for minorities was established in Punjab for the first time in the history of Pakistan.
He said funds were also provided to the Christians community for their places of worship and their properties were returned.
Ch Parvez Elahi maintained that Pakistan Muslim League was the only political party which takes care of all minorities
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Imran Khan says Pakistan’s blasphemy law is necessary
Pakistan’s blasphemy law
Imran Khan says Pakistan’s blasphemy law is necessary. He says it is a British law and thinks that in its absence, people would be lynched and there would be anarchy. The stern law, therefore, also helps those accused of blasphemy.
Is he right? Let us consider the law.
Only seven cases of blasphemy were registered in undivided India and Pakistan from 1927 to 1986, according to a group of Pakistani Christians. The National Commission for Justice and Peace says that in the last 25 years, 1,058 cases of blasphemy were registered. Of the accused, 456 were Ahmadis, 449 were Muslims, 132 were Christians and 21 were Hindus.
Non-Muslims, who are four per cent of Pakistan’s population, are 57 per cent of those charged with blasphemy. The other aspect is that, by far, the majority of cases are filed in Punjab.
India and Pakistan share their penal code, which was given to us by Macaulay in the 1860s. Pakistan’s primary law on blasphemy is the same as India’s law, which I wrote about yesterday.
Pakistan’s section 295-A reads: “Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of the citizens of Pakistan, by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representations insults the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, or with both.”
Both in India and Pakistan, this law is secular and applies to all faiths. The only significant difference in Pakistan’s law is the punishment, which in India is only three years. In 1982, President Ziaul Haq introduced an ordinance that added a section to this law. Section 295-B reads: “Whoever wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Qur’an or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.”
It is difficult to see what new element this added which was not covered by 295-A, except that it is specifically a law that protects Muslim sensibility, and the punishment is increased.
Under prime minister Muhammad Khan Junejo, another addition to the blasphemy law was legislated in 1986. Section 295-C reads: “Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.”
This also was already covered by the original secular law. And again, here the punishment was increased, this time delivering death.
Till this change came, the number of blasphemy cases, to remind the reader, was only seven in 60 years. Therefore, Imran Khan is wrong to say the anti-blasphemy law is helpful in keeping peace. The truth is the opposite: Pakistanis have registered so many cases since 1986 because the Islam-specific laws 295-B and 295-C are being deployed.
It is often said that property disputes or personal enmity are the reasons for many of these cases, because people can be charged on the basis of hearsay. If this were the case, the law would be misused in India also, which it is not. My view is that it is strong religious sentiment that is the reason why so many Pakistanis are accused of being blasphemers.
President Pervez Musharraf said he would look into softening the law, but couldn’t. Sherry Rehman tried to introduce a change to the law and failed. Why?
I would say that it is not possible for the state to bring change over an unwilling population.
Punjab’s Muslims have defied the state on religion before. Emperor Bahadur Shah I (Aurangzeb’s son) was unable to get the Lahore Jama Masjid to recite the khutba because the word ‘wasi’ was added by him to the name of the fourth caliph. The khutba proclaimed him as head of state and was therefore important as a sign of his sovereignty. The emperor had an angry showdown with four sullen clerics in his tent, demanding they comply. In Bahadur Shah’s view, the additional word was not against any specific Sunni practice. The clerics did not back down and, supported by the Afghans in Punjab, threatened civil war. A crowd of 100,000 civilians gathered to fight the state. In all the rest of India, the khutba continued to be read in the prescribed form except in Lahore. The emperor had to back down and finally the khutba was read on October 2, 1711, without the word ‘wasi’.
There is no chance that the state will be able to undo the two changes to Pakistan’s blasphemy law.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2012.
Monday, 22 October 2012
90% Pakistani Christian favour Refugee Status from UN after rising violence. By Nazir S Bhatti
90% Pakistani Christian favour Refugee Status from UN after rising violence. By Nazir S Bhatti
I recieved an e-Mail from one of my friend on Facebok to whom I have never met nor knew in person. He wrote it in Roman-Urdu lanuage which I am copying as it is: "Dear Brother, Aj kal ki jo situation ha pakistan mein Christians ki wo sab achhi tarah jantay hein. I humbly requested you to please try to take step on this way> I know its not easy , But nothing is impossible: * You all Christian NGO's and Religious Leaders , Ap sab mil ke Christian countries ko request karein k wo ham sab ko pakistan se nikal le jaein. for e.g Italy, Denmark, Austrailia, New ZeaLand, Canada and so many other coutries can accommodate us. as you people are trying to get a separate province in punjab, I think instead of this moving from there is an easy and permanant solution. so please think on this. May Christ bless to all of Us"
If, I will translate this e-mail, it simply says that all Christian leaders and Civil Society shall raise issue of situation of Pakistani Christian on International Forums and urge Western Countries to give refuge to Christians that they may have peacful life.
I have posted this e-mail because it is one of hundrdres which I recieve every week from my Christian readers of Pakistan Christian Post who want to flee for freedom from slavery in Islamic Republic of Pakistan which are from activists of different groups but it is from a common Christian who can not even write in English but using social media to express his burden in life.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC in a petition urged Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of United Nation to award Refugee Status to Pakistani Christians after rising violence against Christians after UN Security Council Resolution to action in Afghanistan after 9/11 attack in USA, from terrorists based in Afghanistan.
PCC in its petition to UN for refugee status outlined that 20 million Pakistani Christians are facing constitutional genocide in Islamic Republic of Pakistan after implementation of Sharia law and other Islamic law which protect Islamic elements on enforced conversion of Christian women, killing of Christian on pretext to blasphemy law, attacks on worship places of Christians and to ransack Christian properties.
PCC also raised issue of Christian representation in democratic institutions which is blocked by government by imposing Joint Electorate in which Muslim political parties are empowered to Select Christians in Parliament instead of Election, to end voice of Christians in Assemblies of Pakistan.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC viewed that Refugee Status for Christian is solution to issues of Pakistani Christian that they may migrate to democratic counties in Europe and North America after atrocities against them in Pakistan but a section of Pakistani Church based orgnizations opposed PCC petition in United Nation.
A Cathoic Priest who heads National Commission for Justice and Peace in Pakistan, issued a press release to International Christian media alleging Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and its Chief Dr. Nazir S Bhatti to conspiring against solidarity of Pakistan with filing petition in UN for Refugee Status for Pakistani Christians. The NCJP stated that Pakistani Christians not support PCC call for Separate Christian Province on division of Punjab nor petition of Refugee Status in UNO.
The Pakistani Adminstration have turned North Western Areas in a new province named Gilgit-Baltistan province and is heading to devide Punjab in Hazara province and Seraki provinces, then why not Separate Christian province?
When PCC demands Separate Christian province, it does not mean that a Separate homeland for Christians and division of Pakistan but a province where Muslims shall have right to stay as they are with their proerties and Christians to stay with their properties in other provinces of Pakistan.
The 20 million Pakistani Christians are living below poverty line comparing to Muslim dominated society facing hates on their religion after implementation of Islamic Sharia law in Pakistan and legislation turning them to be third class citizen in a land which was goverened by their ansecstors for centuries.
The Muslim agreesors migrated to Indian sub-continent from Middle East and Central Asia in 7th centurary while Christians belonged to this land as son of soil.
It is ironic that now Muslim immigrants are master in Pakistan and Christian sons of soil are living like slaves in their own land.
The Christian leaders in sub-continet of India favoured formation of Pakistan in Round Table Conferences in 1930-32 in London during British Raj and voted for Punjab to fall in lot of Pakistan with presentation before Boundary Commission but Muslims have scratched Christian role in Pakistan Movement.
There have been frequent incident of violnce against Christians in Pakistan where Muslim culprits are protected and never brought to justice.
Islamists in Pakistan can gunn down Christian in broad day light in court compunds, they abduct Christian women and convert them with force to Islam to marry them, they gang rape Christian women but not arrested, they torture and kill Christian house-maids who refuse to convert to Islam, they destroy hundreds of homes but never convicted, they burn alive Christians but Islamic courts set them free, they are free to spread hate against christians but no legislation to creat harmonious society and use of religion Islam to oppress millions of Christian citizens.
We affirm that some Churches in Pakistan have properties worth Billions of dollars in shape of Christian Missionary Schools, Colleges and Hospitals which are being run as bussiness concerns and benifiting Muslims only and establishment of Pakistan uses its clergy to speak against issues of common Christian on international forums but we assure them that demand of Separate Christian province or Refugee Status for Pakistani Christian will not harm their multi-million bussiness.
If, I will translate this e-mail, it simply says that all Christian leaders and Civil Society shall raise issue of situation of Pakistani Christian on International Forums and urge Western Countries to give refuge to Christians that they may have peacful life.
I have posted this e-mail because it is one of hundrdres which I recieve every week from my Christian readers of Pakistan Christian Post who want to flee for freedom from slavery in Islamic Republic of Pakistan which are from activists of different groups but it is from a common Christian who can not even write in English but using social media to express his burden in life.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC in a petition urged Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of United Nation to award Refugee Status to Pakistani Christians after rising violence against Christians after UN Security Council Resolution to action in Afghanistan after 9/11 attack in USA, from terrorists based in Afghanistan.
PCC in its petition to UN for refugee status outlined that 20 million Pakistani Christians are facing constitutional genocide in Islamic Republic of Pakistan after implementation of Sharia law and other Islamic law which protect Islamic elements on enforced conversion of Christian women, killing of Christian on pretext to blasphemy law, attacks on worship places of Christians and to ransack Christian properties.
PCC also raised issue of Christian representation in democratic institutions which is blocked by government by imposing Joint Electorate in which Muslim political parties are empowered to Select Christians in Parliament instead of Election, to end voice of Christians in Assemblies of Pakistan.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC viewed that Refugee Status for Christian is solution to issues of Pakistani Christian that they may migrate to democratic counties in Europe and North America after atrocities against them in Pakistan but a section of Pakistani Church based orgnizations opposed PCC petition in United Nation.
A Cathoic Priest who heads National Commission for Justice and Peace in Pakistan, issued a press release to International Christian media alleging Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and its Chief Dr. Nazir S Bhatti to conspiring against solidarity of Pakistan with filing petition in UN for Refugee Status for Pakistani Christians. The NCJP stated that Pakistani Christians not support PCC call for Separate Christian Province on division of Punjab nor petition of Refugee Status in UNO.
The Pakistani Adminstration have turned North Western Areas in a new province named Gilgit-Baltistan province and is heading to devide Punjab in Hazara province and Seraki provinces, then why not Separate Christian province?
When PCC demands Separate Christian province, it does not mean that a Separate homeland for Christians and division of Pakistan but a province where Muslims shall have right to stay as they are with their proerties and Christians to stay with their properties in other provinces of Pakistan.
The 20 million Pakistani Christians are living below poverty line comparing to Muslim dominated society facing hates on their religion after implementation of Islamic Sharia law in Pakistan and legislation turning them to be third class citizen in a land which was goverened by their ansecstors for centuries.
The Muslim agreesors migrated to Indian sub-continent from Middle East and Central Asia in 7th centurary while Christians belonged to this land as son of soil.
It is ironic that now Muslim immigrants are master in Pakistan and Christian sons of soil are living like slaves in their own land.
The Christian leaders in sub-continet of India favoured formation of Pakistan in Round Table Conferences in 1930-32 in London during British Raj and voted for Punjab to fall in lot of Pakistan with presentation before Boundary Commission but Muslims have scratched Christian role in Pakistan Movement.
There have been frequent incident of violnce against Christians in Pakistan where Muslim culprits are protected and never brought to justice.
Islamists in Pakistan can gunn down Christian in broad day light in court compunds, they abduct Christian women and convert them with force to Islam to marry them, they gang rape Christian women but not arrested, they torture and kill Christian house-maids who refuse to convert to Islam, they destroy hundreds of homes but never convicted, they burn alive Christians but Islamic courts set them free, they are free to spread hate against christians but no legislation to creat harmonious society and use of religion Islam to oppress millions of Christian citizens.
We affirm that some Churches in Pakistan have properties worth Billions of dollars in shape of Christian Missionary Schools, Colleges and Hospitals which are being run as bussiness concerns and benifiting Muslims only and establishment of Pakistan uses its clergy to speak against issues of common Christian on international forums but we assure them that demand of Separate Christian province or Refugee Status for Pakistani Christian will not harm their multi-million bussiness.
by Pakistan Christian Post
Friday, 19 October 2012
NLD drafts proposals to integrate minorities
NLD drafts proposals to integrate minorities
ISLAMABAD - Members of a the National Lobbying Delegation (NLD) have finalized suggestions for integration and streamlining of various ‘minority’ communities as voters, workers and candidates in the upcoming general elections and urged political parties to ensure proper representation of non-Muslim women in the parliament House o make joint electorate effective.
These suggestions are based on two formative researches titled ‘Non-Muslims in Pakistan’s Electoral System’ and ‘Views of Non-Muslim Community Leaders’, conducted by the Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS) in recent past. Some of the suggestions are aimed at clearing procedural hurdles in obtaining identity cards and the issue of misspelled names in voter lists. The other suggestions are related with social problems such as forcing non-Muslim voters to vote for a particular candidate or keeping non-Muslim voters away from polling stations by harassing, deceiving and humiliating them in polling queues.
In a meeting held here where NLD members unanimously agreed to call on all the political parties for putting an end to the party list system for nomination of candidates on seats reserved for ‘minorities’. The NLD resolved to get ‘minority’ candidates elected from the general seats and also demanded of all the political parties to award party tickets to ‘minority’ candidates from constituencies, which the respective parties are almost sure to win.
Members of the delegation (NLD) have also suggested that political parties should have non-Muslim office bearers and award them tickets for general seats. The ‘minority wings’ should be done away with. Political parties should take legislative measures to remove discriminatory laws and should come up with provisions to make joint electorate effective. At least three seats should be reserved for women of ‘minority’ communities for they are neither represented through seats reserved for women nor through those reserved for the ‘minorities’.
“Purpose of both the research studies was to establish the electoral significance of minorities and to solicit suggestions from various community leaders based on their electoral experiences,” Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, Senior Programme Officer at CWS said, adding, that these leaders were also members of five different ‘minority’ communities; Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Scheduled Caste and Bahai. “During this process we had interviewed more than 80 community leaders which would serve as the primary data for our research findings and suggestions”, Haq said adding that these studies had also offered an appreciation of benefits, solutions and suggestions along with reasons for various problems hampering participation of religious ‘minorities’ in the electoral processes.
He said that only political parties could lead to further strengthening this campaign and provide with a constitution to make the state responsible for the duties that accrue onto it.
“Of course, it is their (political parties) job to work for the evolution of constitutional norms, amend the constitution in order to provide securities, guarantees and safeguards to them as equal citizens, and to create an encouraging environment for their participation in the business of the state,” he said while giving a tentative timeline for meeting with the leaders of major political parties which include; Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Nawaz), Mutthida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid), Jamiat-i- Ulema-i-Islam (Fazal) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The members of NLD include George Clement, a seasoned former parliamentarian, Chairman Scheduled Caste Rights Movement Ramesh Jaipal, head of an NGO in Faisalabad, Christina Peter, PhD student at the Punjab University Kalyan Singh Kalyan, experienced development worker Romana Bashir, Head of Programs at Christian Study Centre, senior programme manager at Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy Dr. Jennifer Euler-Bennett, prominent social activist Naseer Gill, Jagdeesh R. Molani a lawyer based in Hyderabad, Hyderabad Coordinator for Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Dr. Ashothama Lohano, M. Parkash a lawyer absed in Hyderabad, Abid Chand a political worker/leader based in Multan, Tariq Javed Tariq a social worker and a lawyer based in Lahore and Atif who heads Harmony Foundation and is based in Faisalabad.
It is worth mentioning here that the NLD was formed to improve the participation of voters in electoral politics. The other purpose of NLD was to share problems with and put forward suggestions to all political parties over the course of next few weeks.
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/islamabad/07-Sep-2012/nld-drafts-proposals-to-integrate-minorities
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/islamabad/07-Sep-2012/nld-drafts-proposals-to-integrate-minorities
Parliamentary representation: New bill on the cards for increased minority seats
Parliamentary representation: New bill on the cards for increased minority seats
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to introduce a new bill to increase the number of seats for minorities in parliament, in proportion to their population.
The move is expected to enhance representation for minorities in the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies.
If the government succeeds in getting the proposed bill passed in the shape of the 23rd Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority, minorities’ seats would increase from 33 to around 53 in the National and provincial assemblies. The same exercise would also be followed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
State Minister for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill said there was a strong likelihood that the bill would be passed in the National Assembly and Senate in the session starting from next week.
“We are hopeful about it. Members of minority community should keep their fingers crossed,” Gill told The Express Tribune.
Gill and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Minorities Affairs Dr Paul Bhatti have already given their input to the government for the proposed bill.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has assigned Pakistan Peoples Party chief whip in the National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah, the task of convincing political parties to get the bill passed with a two-thirds majority in the upcoming sessions.
Non-Muslims represent 4.5 % of the country’s total population of 180 million, according to working papers of both minority leaders. Therefore, the total number of minorities’ seats will increase from 33 to around 53, out of which 16 seats will be added in the NA, 12 in the Punjab Assembly, 13 in the Sindh Assembly and six each in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan assemblies.
Currently, there are 10 minority seats in the NA, nine in the Sindh Assembly, eight in the Punjab Assembly, and three each in K-P Assembly and Balochistan Assembly.
The federal cabinet had already passed this bill in July this year.
Although the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz sees the move as a positive step, it has some reservations given that the government did not consult them before endorsing the newly proposed bill in the federal cabinet.
“Yes, it’s a good move,” said PML-N Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah. The PML-N is likely to not oppose the bill but its top leadership will prepare a note/output to make the process more democratic, he said.
Regarding legal complications, Shah said if this newly proposed bill is passed with a two-thirds majority, some rules would be observed as two Constitutional Amendments – the 21st Amendment (creation of new provinces) and 22nd Amendment (dual nationality) – are still pending with parliament.
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid senior leader SM Zafar sees the move as a victory for minorities, who, according to him, are the “true face of Pakistan.”
Senior politicians recalled that parliament saw an increase in minorities’ seats during General Ziaul Haq’s regime, before which only two seats were fixed for minorities. Zia increased reserved seats for minorities from two to 10.
Minorities, for the first time, were given representation in the Senate this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2012.
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to introduce a new bill to increase the number of seats for minorities in parliament, in proportion to their population.
The move is expected to enhance representation for minorities in the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies.
If the government succeeds in getting the proposed bill passed in the shape of the 23rd Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority, minorities’ seats would increase from 33 to around 53 in the National and provincial assemblies. The same exercise would also be followed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
State Minister for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill said there was a strong likelihood that the bill would be passed in the National Assembly and Senate in the session starting from next week.
“We are hopeful about it. Members of minority community should keep their fingers crossed,” Gill told The Express Tribune.
Gill and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Minorities Affairs Dr Paul Bhatti have already given their input to the government for the proposed bill.
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has assigned Pakistan Peoples Party chief whip in the National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Shah, the task of convincing political parties to get the bill passed with a two-thirds majority in the upcoming sessions.
Non-Muslims represent 4.5 % of the country’s total population of 180 million, according to working papers of both minority leaders. Therefore, the total number of minorities’ seats will increase from 33 to around 53, out of which 16 seats will be added in the NA, 12 in the Punjab Assembly, 13 in the Sindh Assembly and six each in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan assemblies.
Currently, there are 10 minority seats in the NA, nine in the Sindh Assembly, eight in the Punjab Assembly, and three each in K-P Assembly and Balochistan Assembly.
The federal cabinet had already passed this bill in July this year.
Although the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz sees the move as a positive step, it has some reservations given that the government did not consult them before endorsing the newly proposed bill in the federal cabinet.
“Yes, it’s a good move,” said PML-N Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah. The PML-N is likely to not oppose the bill but its top leadership will prepare a note/output to make the process more democratic, he said.
Regarding legal complications, Shah said if this newly proposed bill is passed with a two-thirds majority, some rules would be observed as two Constitutional Amendments – the 21st Amendment (creation of new provinces) and 22nd Amendment (dual nationality) – are still pending with parliament.
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid senior leader SM Zafar sees the move as a victory for minorities, who, according to him, are the “true face of Pakistan.”
Senior politicians recalled that parliament saw an increase in minorities’ seats during General Ziaul Haq’s regime, before which only two seats were fixed for minorities. Zia increased reserved seats for minorities from two to 10.
Minorities, for the first time, were given representation in the Senate this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2012.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Pakistani Christian demand Separate Christian Province
PCC Struggle for Separate Christian Province
Separate Christian Province in Pakistan
On April, 21, 1992, at Hotel Jabees, Karachi , the President, Pakistan Christian Congress, Mr. Nazir S Bhatti, demanded the separate province for the Christians of Pakistan, dividing Punjab province in 3 provinces. The Christians are second biggest population in Punjab. The recent issue of Christian from JUI is very promising and in favor of solidarity of Pakistan. Its need of time to make more administrative units in Pakistan to satisfy different nations deprived of their rights by the Punjab majority in federation of Pakistan.
Pakistani Christian demand Separate Christian Province
Karachi: April 14, 2010. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have urged government of Pakistan to accept demand of Hazara Province and divide NWFP in Khyber-Pukhtunkhawa and Hazara provinces before 18th Amendment is endorsed in constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Pakistan Christian Congress PCC demanded formation of “Separate Christian Province” on division of Punjab in 1992, in Karachi, in a crowded Press Conference when PCC Chief Nazir S Bhatti said that after hate towards 15 million Pakistani Christians on religion grounds have left no option to demand Separate Christian Province in South West of Punjab province.
Dr. Nazir Bhatti said “We have always supported formation of Hazara Province, Siraiki province and Gilgit-Bultistan Province as part of federation of Pakistan”
The government of Pakistan have formed Gilgit-Bultistan Province but ignored demand of Separate Christian Province, Siraki Province and Hazara Provinces.
“I condemn discriminatory firing on Hazara Province activists by government of NWFP and pay homage to martyrs of Hazara province” added Nazir Bhatti
Nazir Bhatti said that it is in best interest of Pakistan to divide NWFP, Sindh and Punjab provinces in parts as smaller provinces to enable better administration.
The Christians are second biggest population in Punjab and are always victimized by Muslim majority and deserve right to have Separate Christian Province where they may enjoy freedom of faith and culture.
Nazir S Bhatti clarified here today in a statement issued by Central Secretariat of PCC that Pakistani Christian always demanded formation of Separate Christian Province within Federation of Pakistan and on Division of Punjab nor an independent state.
The PCC President warned government of Pakistan that renaming NWFP as Khyber-Pukhtunkhawa is foundation to break Pakistan and Pakistani Christians have reservations on 18th Amendment.
The repeal of blasphemy law and voting rights were ignored in 18th Amendment while renaming of NWFP was preferred by constitutional reform committee of National Assembly of Pakistan which was objected by Pakistan Christian Congress PCC
Dr. Nazir Bhatti demanded government of Pakistan to form Separate Christian Province in South West part of Punjab province and to award provincial autonomy to Khyber-Pukhtunkhawa, Hazara, Sindh, Balochistan, Siraki, Punjab and Christian Province.
Christian leader calls for a separate Christian province in Pakistan
May 20, 2010 by The Underground Staff
Filed under Causes, Commentary and News
A Christian leader in Pakistan called recently for the formation of a separate Christian province in the country, according to the Pakistan Christian Post.
Nazir S. Bhatti, head of the Pakistan Christian Congress said recently that Pakistan has become a safe haven for Islamic extremist organizations. As a result, they can wage Jihad against the Pakistan government at any time, the PCP reported.
Because of this, Bhatti recommended dividing the Punjab into four provinces, including a Christian province to preserve the country’s solidarity and integrity. Christians are the second largest population in Punjab, according to the PCP.
As of now, some 20 million Pakistani Christians are victims of discrimination and denied equal democratic rights in Pakistan, the PCP said. Nazir Bhatti noted:
■Christians are treated like slaves and untouchables.
■Christians may not dine in Muslim owned restaurants nor drink water in the same glass as Muslims in public places.
■One elected Christian member of the National Assembly of Pakistan was forced to pay for cups, glasses and plates when his delegation ate food from a roadside Muslim vendor.
■Muslim Imams call Christianity a religion of infidels.
■Muslims may force Christian wives to convert, but they may not eat with them.
■If a Christian is found to be eating a Muslim dinner, they will be beaten.
■Christians may not enter the catering business in Pakistan.
■Muslims must not eat food prepared by Christians.
According to Bhatti, the All India Christian Association favored the formation of Pakistan as a separate country upon the assurance that both faiths shall enjoy equal rights. With this assurance, Christians in the Pakistan Movement played a large role in gaining the country’s independence in 1947.
However after the legislation of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1973 Christians became second class citizens in their own land, according to the PCP.
Bhatti noted that historically, Christians were sons of Pakistan soil, while Muslims were invaders who migrated from Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Bhatti said the Muslims forcibly converted Sindhi, Balochi and indigent Punjabi to Islam, the PCP reported
Overwhelming votes to support PCC demand of Separate Christian Province is true voice of Pakistani Christians. Nazir Bhatti
London: August 31, 2008. PCC leaders shall soon tour Canada and EU countries to address seminars and open discussions to seek support for division of Pakistan in 12 federally administered units to be called provincesand formation of Separate Christian Province in southwestern parts of Punjab said Nazir S Bhatti in telephonic conversation to Central Executive Council leaders of PCC.
Nazir Bhatti said, “overwhelming votes in favor of PCC demand is true voice of Pakistani Christians and government shall accept this verdict unless Christian youth shall be forced to take their own course of action”
We have received messages; mails of support and invitation from many countries to address gatherings on issue of Separate Christian Province in Pakistan, which have been accepted, and tours are scheduled in 2009.
Nazir Bhatti clarified that suggestions made by many Pakistani Christian leaders abroad to form exile government of “Christland and Takistan” are not under consideration of Pakistan Christian Congress because we demand Separate Christian Province within federation of Pakistan not an independent Christian country on division of Pakistan.
Nazir S Bhatti urged Christians to unite and join peaceful movement for division of Punjab and formation of Separate Christian Province.
“We support struggles of Siraki and Hazra movement to divide Punjab in three provinces because division of Punjab is important for solidarity of Pakistan” added Nazir Bhatti
Nazir Bhatti paid homage to all who voted in PCP to support demand of Separate Christian Province and urged government to consider it as referendum.
Nazir S Bhatti said that division of Pakistan in autonomous unit is only solution to end terrorism and religious extremism in PakistanPakistan to satisfy different nations deprived of their rights by the Punjab majority in federation of Pakistan.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Eshq e Rasool our Humra Ehtjaj
عشق رسول اور ہمارا حتجاج،ایک کہانی ایک افسانہ ، امجد پرویزساحل
ایک دن حسب معمول اپنا ای میل کھولا اور ایک خبر ہیڈلائن کی زینت بنی ہوئی تھی کہ لیبیا میں لوگوں نے ایک امریکی سفارتکار کو مارڈالا ہے، اور اس سٹوری کے ساتھ اسکی کی تصویر بھی دکھائی گئی تھی جس میں چند نوجوان لڑکے اس کی لاش کو زودوکوپ کر رہے تھے، یہ ایک ارٹیکل تھا جس میں ہیلری کلنٹن کی تقریر کے چند بیان تھے کہ اسلام دنیا کے عظیم مذاہب میں سے ہے اس کا احترام ہم سب پر لازم ہے اور ساتھ یہ بھی درج تھا کہ ہمیں کوئی حق نہیں پہنچتا کہ ہم عظیم نبی کے شان میں ایسی حرکات فلمبند کریں، اسکی تقریر میں یہ بھی تھا کہ اسلام ایک عظیم مذہب ہے لہذہ کسی ایرے غیرے کے کچھ بکنے سے اسکو کسی قسم کے خطرے میں نہیں پڑھنا چاہیے اور تمام مسلمان بھائیووں کو صبر سے کام لینا چاہیے ۔ بیشک جیسے ہیلری نے فرمایا تھا درست تھا لیکن یہاں بات ایمان کی تھی اور ایمان کا تعلق جذبات سے ہوتا ہے۔ بات نکلتی نکلتی ہمارے میڈیا تک آپہنچی،ایک شخص جس کو اسکے گھر والے نہیں جانتے تھے ہمارے میڈیا نے اسے آدی دنیا سے متعارف کرادیا، وہ فلم کیا ہے ہمیں آج تک نہیں پتا چلا اور نہ ہم نے اس سے کچھ لینا دینا ہے بس میڈیا سے اخز کیا ہے کہ وہ ایک گستاخی ہے جوایک امریکہ کے تھرڈکلاس شہری نے کی ہے اس کا فیصلہ خدا خود کریگا۔ بہرحا ل خبر عام ہوتے ہی سب سے پہلے پاکستان کی اقلیتوں بالخصوص مسیحوں کے لیے ایک نیا سیاپا ثابت ہونے والی تھی کیونکہ یہ کمیونٹی تو پہلے ہی آئینی اور غیر آئینی زیادتیوں کا شکار ہے اب اور مصیبت تلوار بن کر سر پر منڈلانے لگی۔ مسیحی تعلیم تو مبنی ہی احساس اور محبت پر ہے اسکا بڑا ثبوت مسیح کا ہماری نجات کے لیے جان دینا ہے۔ لہذا ہم یا تو جان بچانا جانتے ہیں یا جان دینا جانتے ہیں، جان لینے کا تو سوال ہی پیدا نہیں ہوتا۔ پس جیسے ہی خبر ہمارے میڈیا پر نشر ہوئی پوری اسلامی دنیا میں جیسے کھلبلی سی مچ گئی خاص طور پر پاکستان میں جہاں عاشقان رسول ہمہ وقت جان لینے اور دینے کے لیے تیا ر رہتے ہے ۔ ہر طر ف ایک بے چینی سی ہونے لگی ، ہمارے ملک کا ایک مسلہ یہ بھی ہے کہہ ہمیں پتہ نہیں ہوتا کہ اصل مسلہ ہے کیا ۔مذہبی جماعتوں اور میڈیا کے دباؤ سے حکومت نے ہنگامی فیصلہ کیا کے عشق رسول کا دن احتجاج کے طور پر منایا جائے اور فوراء اعلان بھی کر ڈالا، فرحت جذبات میں حکومت یہ بھول گئی کہ ہر کام کا یا ہر با ت کا ایک ایجنڈہ بھی ہوتاہے یا کوئی طریقہ کار بھی ہوتا ہے جو حکومت دے نہ سکی اور نہ ہی حکومت نے کوئی آل پارٹیز میٹنگ بلائی تاکہ مل بیٹھ کر کوئی لائحہ عمل تیا ر کیا جائے۔ ادھر مسیحی لوگ جو واقعتا مسلمانو ں سے زیادہ محب وطن ہیں اپنے مسلمان بھائیووں کے مذہبی جذبات کی وجہ سے اور اخلاقی تقاضوں کے مطابق،جلسے اور ریلیووں میں ساتھ ساتھ شامل ہوئے بہت سی ریلیاں تو تقریبا ء ایک دن پہلے ہی نکال لی گئی تاکہ ہمارے مسلمان بھائیووں کو تنہائی کا احساس نہ ہو۔ پاکستان کا کوئی شہر ،کوئی قصبہ یا گاؤں ایسا نہ تھا جہاں سے مسلم بھائیووں سے یک جہتی کی ریلیاں نہ نکالی گئی ہوں اور میڈیا بھی اچھا رول ادا کررہا تھا، تقریبا ہر چینل پر مسیحوں کی شمولیت اور اچھے عمل کو سراہا جارہا تھا۔ پس جی احتجاج کا دن آگیا تقریباء ہر شہر سے لوگ جوق در جوق سڑکو ں تک آنے لگے ۔ایک جمہ غفیر بازاروں اور شاہراہوں پر امڈ آیا تھا۔ ہر طر ف اﷲ اکبر کے نعرے لگ رہے تھے۔لوگ اپنے اپنے اندر کے غصہ اور جذبات کا اظہار کر رہے تھے۔اس احتجاج کا مقصد دنیا کو اپنے نبی پاک سے الفت اور محبت کا یقین دلانا تھااور ایک پیغام دینا تھا کہ اسلام ایک پر امن مذہب ہے اور مسلمان پیار کرنے والے لوگ ہے، لہذہ ڈیڈارب مسلمان کی دل ازاری ہوئی ہے۔ لیکن یہاں تو بات ہی کچھ مختلف ہوئی ۔لوگ احتجاج کرنے کی بجائے حکومت اور پرائیویٹ املاک نذر آتش کر رہے تھے بات غلط ہے لیکن املاک توڑنا تو سمجھ میں آتا ہے املا ک چوری کرنا ،لوٹ مار کرنا،یہا ں تک کہ بینک اور دوکانیں اور شراب خانے تک چوری کر لینا ، یہ کہاں کا احتجاج ہے۔ مسلمان، اسلام اور آپ نبی اکرم کو والہانہ محبت کرتے ہیں، بہت اچھی بات ہے۔لیکن املا ک چوری اور لوٹ مار کرنا کونسی محبت ہے۔ اسلام کی تعلیم یہ تو نہیں سکھاتی کہ اپنی ریاست کو کسی قسم کا نقصان پہنچایا جائے یہ اپنے لوگوں کو قتل کر دیا جائے یہا ں تک کے غیر مسلماموں کی عبادات کو جلادیا ئے یہ حکومت تو حکومت چرچ تک نہ چھوڑے گئے کیا ایسے ممکن نہ تھا کہ سب مسلم بھائی اس دن اپنے چوکوں اور شاہراہوں پر آپ نبی اکرم کے قصیدے گاتے اور درود شریف بھیجتے تاکہ ایمان کو تازگی اور مضبوطی ملتی اور دشمن کو ہمارے ایمان کی حدت اور شدت کا اندازہ ہوتالیکن افسوس ایسا کچھ نہیں ہوا۔ کیا مسیح نے اس پھل کی بات کی ہے؟ کیا اسلام سے محبت صر ف غریب اور میڈل کلاس کا مسلہ ہی ہے۔ کیا بڑے بڑے علما، سیاسی لیڈر، بیوروکریٹس اور امرا کو کوئی محبت نہیں ، وہ اس احتجاج میں کہاں تھے۔ سب نے ملکر مسائل کی بات کی ہے لیکن اس کے حل کی طرف کوئی جا ناہی نہیں چاہتا دراصل کچھ لوگ اسکا حل نکالنا اور بتاناہی نہیں چاہے کیونکہ کے اس طر ی کے مسائل سے ان کی ریٹنگ بڑھتی ہے۔ ایسے موقع پر میا ں محمد بخش فرماتے
ہیں کہ
نیچاں دی آشنائی کو فیض کسے نہ پایا
ککر تے انگور چڑھایا تے ہر گچھا زخمایا
Monday, 10 September 2012
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Friday, 7 September 2012
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Friday, 24 August 2012
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Statement On Protection For Minorities In Pakistan
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Governor General designate of Pakistan, at a press conference, assured the minorities in the Pakistan Dominion that they would have protection with regard to their religion, faith, life, property and culture. They would, in all respects be citizens of Pakistan without any discrimination and no doubt along with it they would have the obligations of citizenship. The minorities would have to be loyal to the State and owe true allegiance to the State.The same principle, the Quaid emphasized, would apply to the minorities in India as well. One cannot have minorities disloyal to the State and sabotaging the state. Every citizen must be loyal to his State.
http://m-a-jinnah.blogspot.com/2011/04/statement-on-protection-for-minorities.html
Citizens of Pakistan
Question : Could you as Governor General make a brief statement on the minorities problems?
The Quaid: At present I am only Governor-General designate. We will assume for moment that on August 15, I shall be really the Governor-General of Pakistan. On that assumption, let me tell you that I shall not depart from what I said repeatedly with regard to the minorities. Every time I spoke about the minorities I meant what I said and what I said I meant.
Minorities to whichever community they may belong; will be safeguarded. Their religion or faith or belief will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with their freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their life, their culture. They will be, in all respects, the citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste or creed.
They will have their rights and privileges and no doubt, along with it goes the obligation of citizenship. Therefore, the minorities have their responsibilities also and they will play their part in the affairs of this state. As long as the minorities are loyal to the State and owe true allegiance and as long as I have any power, they need have no apprehension of any kind.
Loyalty to the State
Question: You said that minorities in Pakistan, if they are loyal, will be dealt with generously and justly. May we take it this applies to Muslims in Hindustan as well?
The Quaid: It applied to any minority, anywhere in the world. You cannot have a minority, which is disloyal and plays the role of sabotaging the State. That minority, of course, becomes intolerable in any State. I advise Hindus and Muslims, both of them; I advise every citizen to be loyal to his State.
Interest in Hindustan
Question: Would your interest in the Muslims of Hindustan continue as it is today?
The Quaid: My interest will continue in India for in every citizen and particularly the Mussalmans.
Question: As President of the All-India Muslim League what measures do you propose to adopt to assure the safety of Muslims in Hindu provinces?
The Quaid: All that I hope for is that the Muslims in the Indian State will be treated just as we propose to treat non-Muslim minorities. I have stated the broad principles of policy, but the actual question of safeguards and protection for minorities in the respective states can only be dealt with by the Constituent Assembly.
Question: You must have seen reports that in one or two provinces Congress ministries have indicated their intention of abolishing separate electorates and weightages?
The Quaid: I cannot go into these details. The actual provisions with regard to protection and safeguards can only be discussed in the two Constituent Assemblies, where the minorities are represented.
Problems for Constituent Assemblies
Question: Will they be discussed by the Constituent Assembly jointly or separately?
The Quaid: I cannot prophesise. In the first instance it is really the domain of each Constituent Assembly. Representatives of the minorities are in both Constituent Assemblies and therefore, those are problems of the Constituent Assemblies of India and Pakistan to deal with. I can only express the hope that they will be dealt with in a manner which will give the minorities a sense of security and confidence. I cannot discuss the details.
Question: What are your comments on the recent statements and speeches by certain Congress leaders to the effect that if Hindus in Pakistan are treated badly, they will treat Muslims in Hindustan worse?
The Quaid: I hope they will get over this matter and follow the line I am suggesting. It is no use picking up the statements of this man here or that man there. You must remember that in every society there are crooks, cranks and what I call mad people (laughter) in every part of the world and this is hardly the place where we can say: What about this man’s statement.
Matter of Minorities Alone
Question: Would you like the minorities to stay in Pakistan or would you like the exchange of population?
The Quaid: As far as I can speak for Pakistan I say that there is no reason for any apprehension on the part of the minorities in Pakistan. It is for them to decide what they should do. All I can say is that there is no reason for any apprehension as far as I can speak about Pakistan. It is for them to decide. I cannot order them.
Question: Will Pakistan be a secular or theocratic State?
The Quaid: You are asking me a question that is absurd. I do not know what a theocratic state means.
A correspondent suggested that a theocratic state meant the state where only people of a particular religion, for example, Muslims, could be full citizens and non-Muslims would not be full citizens.
The Quaid: Then it seems to me that what I have already stated is like throwing water on duck’s back (laughter). For goodness sake, get out of your head the nonsense that is being talked about. What this theocratic state means I do not understand.
Another correspondent suggested that the questioner meant a state run by Maulanas.
The Quaid: What about the Government run by Pundits in Hindustan?(laughter).
“When you talk democracy,” the Quaid went on, I am afraid you have not studied Islam. We learnt democracy thirteen centuries ago.
Cordial Relations
Asked what would be the relations between Pakistan and India, the Quaid said: “I have already answered that long before and I repeat it here. I sincerely hope that they will be friendly and cordial. We have a great deal to do, both states, and I think that we can be of use to each other, not to say the world. Being neighbors, from our side I do not think you will find goodwill wanting and I hope and appeal to the press and news agencies to impress this more upon Hindustan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Policy
“Pakistan’s Foreign Policy”, said the Quaid, in reply to further questions, “would be most friendly to all nations. We stand for peace in the world. We will make our contribution, whatever we can do.
Question: Will Pakistan seek admission into the U.N.O and have diplomatic representation abroad?
The Quaid: Let me get into the saddle and then I will tell you what we will do.
Question: Is there any possibility of Pakistan continuing to remain in the British Commonwealth?
The Quaid: We shall consider that question when the time comes.
Question : Is it not a fact that according to the Lahore Resolution, Pakistan will have to be sovereign State?
The Quaid: We have got all the powers, absolute, full powers, to do what we like.
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