Pakistan

Persecution in Pakistan

Shahzad and Shama were locked in the offices of the kiln where they worked when they heard the call go out over the loudspeaker of a mosque: a Christian woman had desecrated the Quran.

Shama had burnt an amulet containing some paper. She had no idea what the paper said; she was completely illiterate. But some of her neighbours had found the remains, containing portions of the Quran, and accused her of blasphemy. Now Shama and her husband were trapped and a terrifying mob was gathering, armed with clubs and hatchets.

When the protestors couldn't get through the door, they broke through the roof, dragging the couple out and beating them until they were unconscious. Finally, the protestors covered their bodies in petrol and threw them into the kiln.

The abuses of Pakistan's blasphemy laws are perhaps the most stark examples of persecution in Pakistan. They have been devastating for minorities, including Christians, who must always act with caution in case an allegation of blasphemy is raised to settle a personal score. The government has ignored calls to amend the laws, and some politicians have ties with Islamic extremists, making them reluctant to speak out in defence of minorities.

Christians make up just 2.5% of the population. Churches can still work and meet unhindered, but they will be monitored, and sometimes their services are interrupted or attacked. Congregations hire guards to protect their meetings.

Christians are treated as second class citizens. One girl was told: "You are clever, you are gifted. But you are a Christian, so you will become a sweeper. Why wouldn't you convert to Islam?" Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, and Catholic NGOs estimate that 700 Christian girls are kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam every year.

After a large-scale bomb attack in Peshwar in September 2013, there were calls to install a Committee for the Protection of Minorities. If this is established, Christians in Pakistan may finally have a voice.