Notice: Undefined index: et_header_layout in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1345

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1345

Notice: Undefined index: et_header_layout in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1346

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1346

Notice: Undefined index: et_template in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1347

PAKISTAN: Foreign NGO women under threat of forced marriage

Senior clerics in Kohistan stated that if a single foreign woman is caught accompanying a marriageable Pakistani man, she should marry him.

by Massimo Introvigne

Bitter Winter (07.11.2023) – Several NGOs operate in Pakistan to bring charitable aid to afflicted areas. Although there may always be exceptions and incidents, both men and women in international NGOs are normally instructed about the cultural sensitivities prevailing in Pakistan and try to respect them.

However, what happened last week in Kohistan, a part of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, took the NGOs by surprise. A group of twelve local clerics issued a fatwa against NGO women seen in the streets walking or “mingling” with Pakistani men.

The statement says that if the foreign woman is single and the Pakistani man is in a position to marry her, they should marry. With respect to the man, this means that he should be either single or have three wives of less, and they consent to a new marriage, as Pakistani law allows Muslim men to practice polygamy according to the shari’a.

While single NGO women seen with marriageable local men should marry them, those who are not single or who have “accompanied” a man who is not in a position to marry them should be expelled from the country.

The local civil authorities told the media that the fatwa has no legal value. But radical Muslims circulate it through social media and in a restless area there are always extra-legal ways to enforce such pronouncements.

A senior cleric told the media that, “NGO women who disregard our directives should consider leaving Kohistan voluntarily, otherwise, we may take measures to either remove them or facilitate their marriages to the colleagues they are seen with.”

Obviously, such incidents would also discourage foreign women to work in Pakistan as volunteers, to the detriment of those who need their help.

Photo : Kohistan clerics. From Facebook.

Further reading about FORB in Pakistan on HRWF website

PAKISTAN: USCIRF “particularly concerned” about Hazaras and Ahmadis

PAKISTAN: USCIRF “particularly concerned” about mistreatment of Hazaras and Ahmadis

A November 6 statement castigates the repatriation of Afghan members of religious minorities and the continued persecution of the Ahmadis.

by Marco Respinti

Bitter Winter (08.11.2023) – A statement severely criticizing Pakistan has been published on November 6 by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). Its commissioners are appointed by the President and by Congressional leaders of both political parties.

Pakistan is criticized by USCIRF both for the repatriation of religious minority refugees from Afghanistan to a country where they will be persecuted and for its continued persecution of Ahmadi Muslims.

“Over the last several weeks, the statement notes, Pakistani officials have called for the repatriation of ‘illegal migrants,’ including 1.7 million Afghan refugees who lack documentation. Authorities have reportedly conducted raids and established deportation centers to hold individuals who do not voluntarily return to their country of origin. We are particularly concerned that the Pakistani government may forcibly return to Afghanistan religious minorities who fled persecution.”

USCIRF notes that, “Under Taliban rule, Christians, Shi’a Muslims, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and Sikhs cannot freely practice their religious beliefs in Afghanistan.” Many of the refugees Afghanistan threatens to deport belong to the Hazara Shi’a minority, which is also discriminated in Pakistan and against which the Afghan regime is perpetrating a genocide.

In Pakistan, Ahmadi Muslims are accused of being infidels and heretics and of rejecting the Islamic doctrine that Muhammad was “the Seal of the Prophets,” meaning that no genuine prophet could appear after him. Ahmadis regard their founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as “both a prophet and a follower of the Holy Prophet [Muhammad],” which is not good enough for conservative Muslims, who would not tolerate the use of the word “prophet” applied to any post-Muhammad spiritual master.

“Throughout 2023,” the USCIRF says, “incidents targeting the Ahmadiyya community have increased. Despite an August ruling by the Lahore High Court mandating that Ahmadiyya mosques built before 1984 cannot be destroyed or altered, government and nonstate actors continue to vandalize structures, prevent the construction of minarets, and erase the public display of Qur’anic verses. Members of the community continue to be detained on blasphemy charges and are denied equal voting rights in local, provincial, and national elections unless they renounce their faith.”

International institutions continue to condemn Pakistan for its egregious violations of the rights of religious minorities. These violations are increasing. It is time for words to be followed by sanctions.

Photo: Old Hazaras (credits). Pakistan is now returning them to their butchers.

Further reading about FORB in Pakistan on HRWF website

PAKISTAN: Christian couple granted bail in blasphemy case: ‘Landmark decision’

By Anugrah Kumar

Christian Post (23.10.2023) – A Pakistani court has granted bail to a Christian couple accused of blasphemy, citing insufficient evidence. A rights group has called it a “landmark judgment,” which has sparked calls for changes to the nation’s controversial blasphemy laws.

Kiran Bibi and Shaukat were granted bail on Oct. 18 by Additional Sessions Court Judge Mian Shahid Javed, UCA News reported, adding that the couple had been accused of defiling the Quran.

Javed cited a lack of evidence of “willful damage or defilement of the original text of the Holy Quran” under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Nasir Saeed, director of the U.K.-based Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, or CLAAS, lauded the decision in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

“This landmark judgment breaks from the norm,” Saeed added.

In Pakistan, violating Section 295-B could lead to life imprisonment. The couple was accused by Muhammad Tamoor, who claimed to have seen Quranic pages fly out of the couple’s house on Sept. 8.

Tamoor claimed he had been given access to the house by Kiran Bibi. She suggested the pages might have been accidentally thrown by her children — all minors. The court noted gaps in the evidence and report.

CLAAS also mentioned the court found no credible eyewitness testimony that backed the severe allegations. Questions were raised about the actual perpetrator.

The couple’s bail was set at 100,000 Pakistani rupees ($357). The court ordered police to conduct further inquiries into the allegations.

Saeed welcomed the call for further investigation. “This decision underscores the importance of a thorough investigation to establish the facts and ensure justice prevails,” he was quoted as saying.

He also emphasized the need for changes in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. These laws have led to sentences of death or life imprisonment, although no executions have occurred.

In August, attacks against Christians occurred in Jaranwala town, where churches and homes were torched following blasphemy accusations against two local Christians.

Christians make up roughly 1.6% of Pakistan’s 241 million population.

In a separate case last August, a two-member Supreme Court bench granted bail to another Christian who was also accused of blasphemy against Islam.

Justices Qazi Fael Isa and Syed Mansoor Ali Shah ordered the release of Salamat Mansha Masih, expressing concern about the frequency of blasphemy accusations. The state must protect suspects until cases are resolved, the justices said.

In another instance, a sessions court granted bail to two Christian nurses in September 2021. It was the first time bail was granted in a blasphemy case at this level, attorneys noted at the time.

Accusations often lead to mob violence, with little consequence for false accusers.

Lower courts often bow to Islamist pressure, leading to numerous convictions. In January, a Muslim woman was sentenced to death for allegedly committing blasphemy via text messages, marking another rare instance of such a ruling against a Muslim.

In December 2021, a mob killed a Sri Lankan man over blasphemy allegations. Although arrests were made, no legislative changes have occurred to curb false accusations.

Photo Source : CLAAS

Further reading about FORB in Pakistan on HRWF website

PAKISTAN: Assassination attempt for erasing Islamic writings from church wall

PAKISTAN: Presbyterian pastor survives assassination attempt after erasing Islamic writings from church wall

CLAAS (05.09.2023) – On September 3rd, a disturbing incident unfolded in Faisalabad, casting a spotlight on the vulnerability of religious minorities in the region. The target of this violence was none other than Presbyterian Pastor Eleazar Sindhu, also known as Vicky, who faced an attack for his decision to remove Islamic writings from the external wall of his church. The incident occurred as Pastor Vicky, accompanied by his colleague John Masih, was returning home to Rehmat Town after conducting a church service in the nearby village of Kariwala, Chak No. 100.

Recounting the event, Pastor Vicky shared that during a break, a man with a beard abruptly confronted him, demanding that he recite the Kalma (the Islamic declaration of faith). However, instead of complying, Pastor Vicky began reciting the Apostle’s Creed. This action angered the Muslim man, who then fired a shot at him and quickly fled the scene. Calling out to his colleague John for assistance and with the arrival of onlookers, the emergency service 15 was called. Pastor Vicky was promptly transported to Civil Hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, Pastor Vicky survived the gunshot wound and is now in stable condition.

The motive behind this attack stems from Pastor Vicky’s decision to erase Islamic writings from the front wall of the Satyana Road Presbyterian Church. On August 28th, a church member informed him that Arabic writings had been inscribed on the church wall. Upon inspection, Pastor Vicky discovered Islamic text accompanied by derogatory remarks directed at him, reading “Vicky ملعون” (Maloon), which translates to “Execrable” in English.

The news of the incident quickly spread in the area, causing fear and anxiety among the local Christian community. This raised concerns about the safety of Pastor Vicky, his congregation, and fellow Christians in the vicinity. Pastor Vicky disclosed that at least four churches of their denomination had already been destroyed in Jaranwala.

Responding to the situation, Pastor Vicky and his congregation reported the incident to the local police on the same day. A police team arrived on-site and decided to personally remove the inscriptions from the church wall. However, aware of potential repercussions, Pastor Vicky recorded a video message beforehand. In the video, he showcased that neither he nor any other church member was responsible for the removal; instead, the task was being carried out by Muslim police officers. He also addressed the situation, emphasizing that religion should be promoted through actions and treatment to others, rather than coercion.

The video footage captured the moment a police officer applied paint to the inscriptions on the church wall. This step aimed to de-escalate the situation and prevent further complications. Despite the intended outcome, those attempting to sow chaos faced a setback, as their intended target shifted.

In his hospital statement, Pastor Vicky revealed that he recognized the assailant who shot him upon seeing him. The same individual had threatened him a few days earlier.

While Pastor Vicky is currently out of immediate danger, the incident underscores the persistent risks and obstacles endured by religious minorities in the region. This occurrence is not isolated but follows the August 16th attack in Jaranwala, where at least 25 churches were targeted, and false blasphemy allegations were lodged against Christians. Despite the police’s diligent efforts to restore stability in Jaranwala and its surroundings, Christians remain cautious and are hesitant to return to their homes, despite assurances from law enforcement.

The attack on Pastor Vicky has reignited concerns and propagated a sense of fear among the local Christian community. It’s essential for both the police and the government to intensify their endeavours to reestablish peace and security in Jaranwala and the adjacent areas.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Pastor Eleazar and called for justice against those responsible for both defacing the church wall and targeting him. He voiced his strong opposition to the escalating instances of blasphemy allegations against Christians and the consequent harassment they endure in the name of religion. Saeed emphasized the urgency to put an end to such actions and urged the government to take robust measures to counter the intensifying hostility directed at Christians. He underscored the government’s duty to firmly address individuals who propagate hate, potentially necessitating the reinforcement of legal measures. Protecting all citizens, particularly the vulnerable religious minorities, stands as a paramount responsibility for the government.

Saeed further said that these incidents reflect a systematic campaign aimed at compelling Christians to leave Pakistan. He characterized these acts as part of a broader plans that seeks to eliminate Christianity from the country—a disconcerting trend he referred to as the gradual genocide of Christians in Pakistan. He stressed the need for swift, unyielding action to prevent irreversible outcomes.

The Christian leadership had supported Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a separate Pakistani state, where equal citizenship rights were promised. Regrettably, Christians have never been treated as equals in Pakistan. They are now being coerced to flee, with their towns and churches set ablaze, yet justice remains elusive. Monetary compensation alone is insufficient; thorough investigations into incidents are necessary, and perpetrators must be brought to justice to deter further attacks.

In light of these events, the recommendations of investigations, whether through Joint Investigation Teams (JIT) or judicial commissions, must be diligently implemented.

Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned a modern democratic welfare state, where religion was separated from state affairs. Unfortunately, ongoing attempts persist to transform Pakistan into a theocratic state—directly opposing Quaid-e-Azam’s vision. Saeed urged Pakistan to make a decisive choice between upholding a democratic structure or embracing a theocratic model for the nation’s future.

Photo : www.pakchristiannews.com

Further reading about FORB in Pakistan on HRWF website

PAKISTAN: Leading Shiite cleric arrested based on new blasphemy law

Photo: Arrested: Shiite cleric Agha Baqir Al Hussaini. From Facebook.

PAKISTAN: Leading Shiite cleric arrested based onn new blasphemy law

“Bitter Winter” correctly predicted that new penalties against those who “offend the wives and companions of the Prophet” were intended for cracking down on Shiites.

By Massimo Introvigne

Bitter Winter (06.09.2023) – We wish we had been wrong. But we weren’t. After a test case against a Sunni retired teacher, Pakistan amended last month Article 298-A of its Criminal Code, which is part of its blasphemy laws and punishes those who disrespect “the Prophet’s wives, family, close companions, and the Righteous Caliphs.” The penalty passed from one month to three years in jail to a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, plus a fine of one million rupees.

“Bitter Winter” reported that the government had amended Article 298-A under pressure from radical anti-Shiite Sunni movements, and that Shiites would risk severe jail penalties. In fact, in Shia literature one can find curses against Aisha, the third and youngest wife of Muhammad, for her role in denying that Ali, whom the Shiites regard as their founder, was the legitimate successor of the Prophet, and against those companions of the Prophet who sided against Ali.

We were not alarmist, and what we denounced as a possibility has already happened, as soon as the new law entered into force. A prominent Shiite cleric, Agha Baqir al-Hussaini, was arrested in Skardu, the largest city in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

He had presided a meeting in mid-August denouncing the new law and stating that Shiites cannot and will not renounce their criticism of those relatives and companions of the Prophet who denied Ali’s succession. As a result, on August 22, local Sunnis took to the street demanding his arrest.

The Shiite cleric was arrested at the end of August. The arrest generated new and larger protests in Skardu, this time by Shiites. It was the largest protest in the history of the city of Skardu.

Demonstrations became national, as documented on social media, creating a serious risk of sectarian violence.

All this was highly predictable when the blasphemy law was amended. However, the Pakistani government preferred to humor the radical fundamentalists of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistanrather than protecting religious minorities and avoid inter-Islamic conflict.

Photo: Massive protests by Shiites in Skardu supporting Agha Baqir Al Hussaini. From Twitter.

*****************************

Massimo Introvigne (born June 14, 1955 in Rome) is an Italian sociologist of religions. He is the founder and managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), an international network of scholars who study new religious movements. Introvigne is the author of some 70 books and more than 100 articles in the field of sociology of religion. He was the main author of the Enciclopedia delle religioni in Italia (Encyclopedia of Religions in Italy). He is a member of the editorial board for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion and of the executive board of University of California Press’ Nova Religio. From January 5 to December 31, 2011, he has served as the “Representative on combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination, with a special focus on discrimination against Christians and members of other religions” of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). From 2012 to 2015 he served as chairperson of the Observatory of Religious Liberty, instituted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to monitor problems of religious liberty on a worldwide scale.

Further reading about FORB in Pakistan on HRWF website

Notice: Undefined index: et_footer_layout in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1395

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1395

Notice: Undefined index: et_footer_layout in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1396

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1396

Notice: Undefined index: et_template in /home/hrwfe90/domains/hrwf.eu/public_html/wp-content/plugins/pdf-print/pdf-print.php on line 1397