The Rising Tide of Religious Persecution in Pakistan: A Call for Global Action
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by
Max Gibson
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Introduction
In recent weeks, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing uptick in violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians. Two alarming incidents have caught the attention of human rights advocates and the international community: the shooting of Pastor Vicky in Faisalabad and the defilement of churches with provocative Islamic slogans. These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader, troubling trend that demands immediate action.
The Faisalabad Shooting: A Targeted Attack
On the night of September 3, 2023, Pastor Vicky, who served at the Presbyterian Church in Rehmat Town, Faisalabad, was shot by supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). This attack followed an earlier incident where Islamists vandalized his church with slogans like “Ya Allah Ya Rasool” (O Allah, O Messenger). The Faisalabad Police had removed these slogans, but TLP supporters confronted Pastor Vicky, issuing a chilling threat: “We will erase you from the world.” Pastor Vicky sustained two gunshot wounds but survived thanks to immediate medical intervention.
The Defilement of Churches: A Calculated Strategy
In a separate but related incident, radical factions like TLP have been marking churches with Islamic slogans such as “Ya Allah Ya Rasool,” “Muhammad is the Last Prophet,” and “Allahu Akbar.” These actions are part of a larger campaign to intimidate and marginalize the Christian community in Pakistan. Any attempt by Christians to remove these slogans could be misconstrued as blasphemy, leading to severe consequences.
The Role of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan
TLP appears to be at the forefront of these attacks, pursuing an agenda to remove churches and Christians from not just Faisalabad but also other areas like Jaranwala. Their actions raise serious concerns about the safety and freedom of religious minorities in Pakistan.
Government Inaction and International Concerns
Despite the escalating violence, the Pakistani government’s efforts to contain these radical factions have been notably weak. This inaction calls for the international community, human rights organizations, and global leaders to step in. It is crucial to foster environments where the safety and well-being of all religious minorities, including Christians in Pakistan, are assured.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The incidents in Faisalabad and the broader campaign against Christians in Pakistan are a wake-up call. They highlight the urgent need to protect religious diversity and promote community tolerance. In the face of such adversity, the global community must stand united in condemning acts of violence and discrimination based on religious beliefs. Now is the pivotal moment for collective action to ensure the safety and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
