Faisalabad: Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), in partnership with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), has initiated a project’s acti
Lahore: April 15, 2014. (PCP) Last week, I along with my team members went to visit Joseph Colony. This colony was attacked by an angry mob on March 9, 2013 due to a blasphemy case registered against a Christian young man. It was the same kind of incident took place in Gojra few years ago. In Gojra, mob did not care the human rights, all minority rights written in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and were badly crushed. People were burnt alive and their entire household was burnt also. It was second incident of this nature which affected a large number of people in Joseph Colony.
The incident of Joseph Colony jolted not only Christian but all minorities in Pakistan. It sent a wave of terror among Christian in Lahore and all the surrounding areas. The incident took place in this way that Sawan Masih (Christian) and Chacko (Muslim) were fast friend before this incident. They used to drink together whenever they got chance. One day, they had been drinking and after some time they started to quarrel and exchanged harsh words. Then Sawan Masih accused of Blasphemy law, 295 c.
After that, local people threatened the residents of Jospeh Colony to leave this area. Actually, some influential people of the area wanted to confiscate their property. When the whole scenario started, people were very confused and were under great pressure. According to a young local boy Police Station informed the residents to vacate colony within thirty minutes. Police told that they are unable to control the mob. It could be dangerous for families.
When the angry mob attacked, they fled from the place, while running he saw back and there were countless people, according to an eye witness. People are still terrified because to that awful situation. All our households were brunt including educational records of students and even The Holy Bibles and other religious books. People badly affected mentally, spiritually, economically, socially etc.
Few days back a dead body was put in the street of Joseph Colony to make people threaten. And even many innocent people were investigated about this dead body, where this dead body was brought from out side to create tense situation so people may leave this area and land mafia may control this area.
People are still in trouble, constantly under pressure and felt insecure themselves after that incident. Police do all unnecessary checking and tease them even if they have all evidence. Local people mock that you are now quite rich and you have lot of money now and also pass unnecessary comments.
Punjab Government supported all the resident and helped them by giving them 5 Lakh 5000 USD to each family. But Federal Government supported only 50%. There are 263 families living in this colony. Churches house of residents were renovated by the Government Punjab. Some people had to demolish their houses in order to construct those.
Pakistan Bible Soceity and OM Team donated Holy Bible and Hymns Books to local Churches and residents of colony.
Last week Rt. Bishop of Lahore Alexandar John Mailk visited Jospeh Colony too and he met with family of Sawan Masih recevied death punishment in verdict this month.
What me and my team asses is that awareness of education is vital for safe and secure future so that they may talk with other communities living Pakistan in a efficient way. We've planned to arrange Seminars and counseling session in this area in order to educate the young generation.
You May Also Like
Islamabad: Asif Ali Zardari has traditionally greeted Sikh pilgrims, Hindus and other minorities on the occasion of Christmas, Holi and now Baisakh
Islamabad: (PPF) On April 12, Geo News received a show-cause notice from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for broadcasts
"Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" By Nazir S Bhatti
On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.







