London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) Muslim extremists have painted a toilet in the colours of Swedish Flag to offend swedes and Christians. An incident of hate-messaging has triggered outrage and dismay amongst Christians in Pakistan. The cause of this was a video that recently went viral on social media depicting a toilet seat adorned with a Swedish Flag that contains the Cross. The provocative display was orchestrated in Lahore by protesters affiliated with Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan, a religious political party, as a means of expressing their anger over the alleged burning of the Quran in Sweden during Eid-ul-Adha last month. This attack on the most recognised symbol of Christianity has not only deeply offended the Christian community in Pakistan, but has also brought to the forefront the ongoing struggles faced by religious minorities in the country.

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“The content of the viral video is undeniably blasphemous, as it portrays the sacred Christian symbol of the cross on a toilet seat.

“Such a depiction explicitly targets and deeply hurts the peaceful Christian population of Pakistan.

“Despite constitutional guarantees of freedom for minorities, it is disheartening to note that religious minorities continue to live in fear and insecurity within the country.”

Despite the Constitution of Pakistan’s strict prohibition on hurting religious sentiments in the country, there has been a concerning lack of attention from law enforcement agencies towards this blasphemous content. Surprisingly, both political and religious leaders have remained silent on the growing issue of religious intolerance within the country. 

Our Operations Manager, added:

“The deliberate and malicious act of displaying a cross on a toilet seat, contravenes Section 295A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). 

“It has undeniably outraged the religious feelings of Christians across Pakistan but unlike many Christians who find themselves imprisoned under false blasphemy charges, it seems no action will be taken against the perpetrators.”

Political leaders continue to deny that the blasphemy laws protect only Islam but here is a vivid example of how in practice, this is untrue. It is extremely disheartening to observe that the government and numerous interfaith harmony groups, which are actively involved in promoting religious understanding, have not taken any substantial action to address this matter.

The video has ignited a wave of hurt and anger among Christians, for whom the cross represents a symbol of salvation and divine significance. The protesters responsible for the offensive act take pride in humiliating the cross, perceiving it as a means of teaching Sweden and the wider Christian community a lesson. One of the protesters, in a boastful statement, declared that their intention was to highlight their grievances and convey a message to the West and Christians regarding their perceived worth.

 Unfortunately, to the majority Muslim society of Pakistani, the alleged desecration of the Quran in Sweden has been erroneously associated with Christians.  The act itself was undertaken on June 28th 2023, by an ex-Muslim from Iraq named Salwan Momika (37 yrs) who now adheres to no faith.  His protest against the Koran was permitted by Swedish Authorities in line with laws regarding freedom of speech (click here).

The permission for the protest to proceed has led to a misguided sense of retribution, with some extremist elements endorsing violent acts against Pakistani Christians. Just recently, on July 1st, a militant jihadist group known as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, operating within Pakistan, issued a statement vowing to avenge the desecration of the Quran by targeting and killing Pakistani Christians.  They have sworn to make life in the country a living hell for them.

 Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan has gained notoriety for its fervent support of blasphemy laws and its followers proudly identify themselves as “lovers of the Prophet,” ready to sacrifice their lives to protect the honor of Islam and Prophet Muhammad. The party’s former leader, Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, has been a staunch advocate of their fundamentalist ideology, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to Islamic values.

This is not the first time Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan has resorted to violent protests to express their grievances. In 2018, when the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman falsely accused of blasphemy, the party’s supporters launched nationwide demonstrations that brought the country to a standstill. The incident highlighted the alarming intolerance and extremism present within certain sections of Pakistani society.

 Our Operations Manager, added:

“The desecration of the cross on a toilet seat, as witnessed in the viral video, is a distressing and highly offensive act that epitomizes the ongoing struggles faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.

“It not only showcases the depth of religious tensions and intolerance within the country, but also highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive and tolerant society that respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals, regardless of their faith.”

British Asian Christian Association is more concerned about the implicated death threats for Christians, than the shameful attempt to hurt Christian sentiments.

Juliet Chowdhry, trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:

“Though it is distasteful that a cross has been placed on a toilet in an attempt to cause chagrin to Christians, we do not want perpetrators to be imprisoned for life or given a death sentence. 

“The current draconian blasphemy laws are totally contradictory to the values of any society that has adopted the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.

“But where a clear attempt has been made to cause religious offence coupled with death threats, surely Pak-authorities can find some suitable legislation to take action against hate-mongers?

“Christian communities across Pakistan are fearful of attacks from extremists in Pakistan triggered by the act of the ex-Muslim in Sweden.

“Pak-Christians are incorrectly identified as spies for the west and are anathema in Pakistan, where they are denigrated in curriculum textbooks.

“They are completely innocent and bereft of any blame and we are praying that Pak-authorities maintain their duty to protect.”

“We have written to the Pak-Embassy in the UK and have asked for them to ensure that Christian communities and institutions receive increased protection during the next few months.”

British Asian Christian Association, are supporting several blasphemy law victims who have been accused of blasphemy, who survived potential lynching after being arrested by local police.  We are supporting Nabeel Masih who was the youngest ever blasphemy prisoner in Pakistan (click here) and Zafar Masih who has been incarcerated for over 10 years and is Pakistan’s longest serving blasphemy convict (click here). These two and others are supported at great expense, with safe accommodation for them or their targeted families, the costs for legal advocates and regular visits to their prison and much more.  This is an expensive operation and we rely on the generosity of donors to provide our help.