On June 4th, local police entered a Christian village in Pakistan, arrested several men, and dragged women out of their home and by their homes and through the streets by their hair.
— ICC report states that accusations are that Christians “not keeping the sewage lines clean enough”
— ICC report further quotes Stephen Gill “a local Christian leaer” who states “The police raided and ransacked Christian homes and stole our valuables, including cell phones, cash, jewelry, and other expensive household items”
— ICC report states “Police beat 11 Chritian men who protested the raid and then threw them into police vans. They were all taken to the police station and later thrown into jail.”
— ICC report states “The police also grabbed the women by their hair and dragged them out of their homes and into the street, where they ‘ripped apart’ their clothes as they mocked them, calling them ‘choohra’ (a derogative word for ‘Christian’). They arrested at least six women.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sindh minorities minister faces the axe
By Amar Guriro
KARACHI: The high-ups of the Pakistan People's Party have decided to sack Sindh Minister for Minorities Dr Mohan Mal Kohistani from his current post, as part of the proposed reshuffling in the Sindh government, party sources disclosed on Monday.
Besides removing him from the position, an inquiry would also be initiated against him over misuse of powers, as he made several controversial decisions since his appointment as a provincial minister.
The sources maintained that the provincial minister had utilised government resources for his vested interests. "The ministry was provided heavy funds of Rs 100 million last year to distribute among widows, students and the poor belonging to minority communities and also to repair churches, gurdwaras and temples, but the funds were given to close relatives and also utilised under fake names," the sources said. They added that the minister had allocated Rs 3 million for construction schemes to another provincial minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla and in return, had sought permission to reopen his wine shop. When contacted, Dr Mohan refuted the allegations, however, he admitted that some of the funds of his ministry were not properly utilised. "We were supposed to use the funds to repair buildings, but none of the departments agreed to carry out work on the projects," he said. Dr Mohan also said if the party had decided to sack him from the ministry, he would accept the decision.
KARACHI: The high-ups of the Pakistan People's Party have decided to sack Sindh Minister for Minorities Dr Mohan Mal Kohistani from his current post, as part of the proposed reshuffling in the Sindh government, party sources disclosed on Monday.
Besides removing him from the position, an inquiry would also be initiated against him over misuse of powers, as he made several controversial decisions since his appointment as a provincial minister.
The sources maintained that the provincial minister had utilised government resources for his vested interests. "The ministry was provided heavy funds of Rs 100 million last year to distribute among widows, students and the poor belonging to minority communities and also to repair churches, gurdwaras and temples, but the funds were given to close relatives and also utilised under fake names," the sources said. They added that the minister had allocated Rs 3 million for construction schemes to another provincial minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla and in return, had sought permission to reopen his wine shop. When contacted, Dr Mohan refuted the allegations, however, he admitted that some of the funds of his ministry were not properly utilised. "We were supposed to use the funds to repair buildings, but none of the departments agreed to carry out work on the projects," he said. Dr Mohan also said if the party had decided to sack him from the ministry, he would accept the decision.
Anti-Christian Violence Ends After Pakistan Minister Negotiates Truce (BosNewsLife Exclusive)
By Jawad Mazhar, BosNewsLife Special Correspondent for reporting from Pakistan)
KASUR, PAKISTAN (BosNewsLife)-- Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti said Sunday, July 5, he has “successfully reconciled'” Muslims and Christians in a tense village in Punjab province where over a dozen people were injured when angry mobs torched at least 100 Christian homes and churches this week.
I had been sent [Saturday July 4] by the Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani to look into the matter and ensure that peace is restored and a truce is reached between the rival Christian-Muslim communities," Bhatti told Worthy News and its partner agency BosNewsLife after touring the village of Bahmani in Kasur District.
"Islam and Christianity teach to co-exist with peace and harmony," added the minister, an outspoken Christian, who held talks with community leaders. He said each affected Christian family would receive 100,000 Pakistani Rupees ($1,260) in compensation.
Bhatti and other officials several of the estimated 100 houses and churches that were set ablaze July 1 by angry Muslims after a Muslim cleric accused Christian residents of blasphemy, residents said earlier.
PEOPLE INJURED
At least nine women and four children were injured when acid were thrown at them, witnesses said. They were later rescued by rights activists and received medical treatment, officials told Worthy News.
Bhatti stressed that the area has to be “purged of the elements that have malign intentions to spread hatred among Pakistani citizen” and that people of all religions should live in peace.
The minister said he had told locals that although Pakistan is a mainly Muslim nation, even Pakistan's founder Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah “lauded efforts and sacrifices of Christians during the struggle of independence of Pakistan.”
He and other delegates urged residents to "bury the hatred and intolerance." The clashes in Bahmani, just outside the provincial capital Lahore, has underscored international concerns over rising Islamic extremism in Pakistan.
KASUR, PAKISTAN (BosNewsLife)-- Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti said Sunday, July 5, he has “successfully reconciled'” Muslims and Christians in a tense village in Punjab province where over a dozen people were injured when angry mobs torched at least 100 Christian homes and churches this week.
I had been sent [Saturday July 4] by the Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani to look into the matter and ensure that peace is restored and a truce is reached between the rival Christian-Muslim communities," Bhatti told Worthy News and its partner agency BosNewsLife after touring the village of Bahmani in Kasur District.
"Islam and Christianity teach to co-exist with peace and harmony," added the minister, an outspoken Christian, who held talks with community leaders. He said each affected Christian family would receive 100,000 Pakistani Rupees ($1,260) in compensation.
Bhatti and other officials several of the estimated 100 houses and churches that were set ablaze July 1 by angry Muslims after a Muslim cleric accused Christian residents of blasphemy, residents said earlier.
PEOPLE INJURED
At least nine women and four children were injured when acid were thrown at them, witnesses said. They were later rescued by rights activists and received medical treatment, officials told Worthy News.
Bhatti stressed that the area has to be “purged of the elements that have malign intentions to spread hatred among Pakistani citizen” and that people of all religions should live in peace.
The minister said he had told locals that although Pakistan is a mainly Muslim nation, even Pakistan's founder Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah “lauded efforts and sacrifices of Christians during the struggle of independence of Pakistan.”
He and other delegates urged residents to "bury the hatred and intolerance." The clashes in Bahmani, just outside the provincial capital Lahore, has underscored international concerns over rising Islamic extremism in Pakistan.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Shahbaz Bhatti withdraws demand of cases against Muslim who burnt 110 Christian Homes
Lahore: July 5, 2009. (PCP report) Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian who was selected as Federal Minister for Minority Affairs by PPP government visited village Bahminwala where Muslim rioters have burnt churches and Homes of Christians on June 30, 2009.
The Muslims of village Bahminwala on accusation of blasphemy attacked Christian on a call from local Mosque and Christians fled from homes to hide themselves in fields to safe lives.
The 110 Christian homes were burnt, 2 churches were set on fire, 7 Christian women received burnt injuries, 12 Christian men were injured, jewelry and valuable from homes were looted.
After attacks, police registered cases of riots against 9 Christians and Muslim grocery stores refused to sell any edible item to Christians. The Christian homes remained in dark because Muslim attackers have taken away electric meters from homes. The Christian had no utensils to eat as Muslim attackers have burnt every house hold and kitchen items in courtyard of every home.
The incident of this attack on Christian spread wave of fear and anger among Pakistani Christians and Christian Diaspora abroad. The demand to register cases against Muslim culprits was made from every corner of Pakistan by many Muslim organizations also along with Christian voice. The Muslim mob have always not been punished after such attacks like Bahminwala village.
The Federal Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti was also flown from his Islamabad bunker hide out under pressure of government to defuse anger of Christian and secure Muslim attackers from any legal action.
In a so-called mediation meeting in village Bahimnwala, Shahbaz Bhatti urged Muslims and Christians to stay in solidarity and peace.
Shanbaz Bhatti announced compensation of Rupees one lakh (1,400 US$) for effected families of Christians and district administration of Kasur also added Rupees 20, 000 (350 US$) in aid.
There was not any issue in this mediation bid to withdraw cases registered by police against 9 Christians to claim it riot among two communities instead of attack by Muslims.
Shahbaz Bhatti not demanded any case against Muslim attackers and left the village in heavy contingent back to his bunker in Islamabad. It is first visit of Shahbaz Bhatti to any site of incident when he not bothered to visit Taseer Town Karachi after Taliban Attack nor Harrapa village Christians who fled from homes after threat by Muslims. The registration of blasphemy cases against Christians, abduction and enforced conversion of Christian women and attacks on Churches have risen to 100% in Pakistan after Shahbaz Bhatti took his office and PPP came in power.
Nazir S Bhatti, Chief of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have strongly condemn attack by Muslims on innocent peaceful Christians of Bahminwala village and demanded immediate arrest of culprit and withdrawal of false cases against Christians.
“Christians demand Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan to take Suo-Mottuo notice of horrible attack on Christian of Bahminwala village to punish culprits” said Nazir S Bhatti
The Muslims of village Bahminwala on accusation of blasphemy attacked Christian on a call from local Mosque and Christians fled from homes to hide themselves in fields to safe lives.
The 110 Christian homes were burnt, 2 churches were set on fire, 7 Christian women received burnt injuries, 12 Christian men were injured, jewelry and valuable from homes were looted.
After attacks, police registered cases of riots against 9 Christians and Muslim grocery stores refused to sell any edible item to Christians. The Christian homes remained in dark because Muslim attackers have taken away electric meters from homes. The Christian had no utensils to eat as Muslim attackers have burnt every house hold and kitchen items in courtyard of every home.
The incident of this attack on Christian spread wave of fear and anger among Pakistani Christians and Christian Diaspora abroad. The demand to register cases against Muslim culprits was made from every corner of Pakistan by many Muslim organizations also along with Christian voice. The Muslim mob have always not been punished after such attacks like Bahminwala village.
The Federal Minority Minister Shahbaz Bhatti was also flown from his Islamabad bunker hide out under pressure of government to defuse anger of Christian and secure Muslim attackers from any legal action.
In a so-called mediation meeting in village Bahimnwala, Shahbaz Bhatti urged Muslims and Christians to stay in solidarity and peace.
Shanbaz Bhatti announced compensation of Rupees one lakh (1,400 US$) for effected families of Christians and district administration of Kasur also added Rupees 20, 000 (350 US$) in aid.
There was not any issue in this mediation bid to withdraw cases registered by police against 9 Christians to claim it riot among two communities instead of attack by Muslims.
Shahbaz Bhatti not demanded any case against Muslim attackers and left the village in heavy contingent back to his bunker in Islamabad. It is first visit of Shahbaz Bhatti to any site of incident when he not bothered to visit Taseer Town Karachi after Taliban Attack nor Harrapa village Christians who fled from homes after threat by Muslims. The registration of blasphemy cases against Christians, abduction and enforced conversion of Christian women and attacks on Churches have risen to 100% in Pakistan after Shahbaz Bhatti took his office and PPP came in power.
Nazir S Bhatti, Chief of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC have strongly condemn attack by Muslims on innocent peaceful Christians of Bahminwala village and demanded immediate arrest of culprit and withdrawal of false cases against Christians.
“Christians demand Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan to take Suo-Mottuo notice of horrible attack on Christian of Bahminwala village to punish culprits” said Nazir S Bhatti
Minister mediates between Christian, Muslims
Sunday, July 05, 2009
By By Our Correspondent
FEDERAL Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti has successfully mediated between the Muslim and the Christian communities of Bahmniwala village in Kasur, easing down tension in the area. The minister visited the affected area on Saturday where he announced compensation of Rs 100,000 for the each affected Christian family while Kasur Tehsil Nazim Agha Naved Hashim declared to pay Rs 20,000 to the affected community. DCO Abdul Jabar Shaheen, the DPO Kasur, Ch Ahmed Ali, Pervez Rafique, Mrs Najma Saleem, Tahir Naved Chaudhry, Father Emanuel, Yousuf Mani along with members of the district council, including Noor Elahi, Shaukat Bhatti, Zulfiqar M Gill and Azra Shujaat were also present. The minister visited the burnt houses, which were set ablaze by some unknown people who also made away with valuables from the houses. Addressing the both communities, the federal minister said Islam and Christianity professed peace. He said Quaid-e-Azam had also praised efforts of the Christians in the struggle of Independence and both Christians and Muslims should live cordially in the country. He said the affected area had to be purged of the elements which were spreading hatred, adding that both the communities had to show invincible solidarity so that such elements could be discouraged in the future. He said that he had been sent by the prime minister to restore peace in the area. Kasur DCO Abdul Jabar Shaheen and other people also urged the locals to bury the hatchet for one and all.
(The News International)
By By Our Correspondent
FEDERAL Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti has successfully mediated between the Muslim and the Christian communities of Bahmniwala village in Kasur, easing down tension in the area. The minister visited the affected area on Saturday where he announced compensation of Rs 100,000 for the each affected Christian family while Kasur Tehsil Nazim Agha Naved Hashim declared to pay Rs 20,000 to the affected community. DCO Abdul Jabar Shaheen, the DPO Kasur, Ch Ahmed Ali, Pervez Rafique, Mrs Najma Saleem, Tahir Naved Chaudhry, Father Emanuel, Yousuf Mani along with members of the district council, including Noor Elahi, Shaukat Bhatti, Zulfiqar M Gill and Azra Shujaat were also present. The minister visited the burnt houses, which were set ablaze by some unknown people who also made away with valuables from the houses. Addressing the both communities, the federal minister said Islam and Christianity professed peace. He said Quaid-e-Azam had also praised efforts of the Christians in the struggle of Independence and both Christians and Muslims should live cordially in the country. He said the affected area had to be purged of the elements which were spreading hatred, adding that both the communities had to show invincible solidarity so that such elements could be discouraged in the future. He said that he had been sent by the prime minister to restore peace in the area. Kasur DCO Abdul Jabar Shaheen and other people also urged the locals to bury the hatchet for one and all.
(The News International)
Attacked Christians of Kasur to protest today
By Ali Usman
LAHORE: Christian families from Bahmniwala village in Kasur, attacked by a mob for alleged blasphemy at the instigation of a local cleric and some influential people, will protest outside the Lahore Press Club on Monday (today) against the police for not arresting any of the accused.
Daily Times has learnt that the provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs, the provincial minister for religious affairs, the Lahore commissioner, the district coordination officer (DCO) and the Kasur district police officer (DPO) have visited the area so far. Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti visited the village on Saturday and announced financial assistance for the families whose houses were attacked and torched.
However, the Christian families who were targeted told Daily Times that they wanted justice instead of financial assistance, adding that peace between the Christian and Muslim communities should not be made at the cost of letting the culprits go scot-free.
Bahmniwala is home to some 125 Christian families, who have lived there for over one-and-a-half centuries. A fight between a Muslim and a Christian boy last week flared into a communal confrontation.
Even though the situation is now under control, and peace has been restored, the Christians demand justice and punishment for those who attacked them and burnt their homes.
Local Christian residents told Daily Times that police contingents were still deployed in the village. They said the cleric who is allegedly responsible for the incident, is still at large, and those who led the mob are still living in the village.
Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti told Daily Times he had immediately ordered that an FIR be registered after he visited the area. He said he had expressed solidarity with the victims and asked a team to assess the losses that they had suffered. “We will protect the rights of the minorities for sure. The culprits behind this entire episode will not be spared and punished. Justice will be provided,” he said. He said staging a protest was everyone’s right.
(Daily Times)
LAHORE: Christian families from Bahmniwala village in Kasur, attacked by a mob for alleged blasphemy at the instigation of a local cleric and some influential people, will protest outside the Lahore Press Club on Monday (today) against the police for not arresting any of the accused.
Daily Times has learnt that the provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs, the provincial minister for religious affairs, the Lahore commissioner, the district coordination officer (DCO) and the Kasur district police officer (DPO) have visited the area so far. Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti visited the village on Saturday and announced financial assistance for the families whose houses were attacked and torched.
However, the Christian families who were targeted told Daily Times that they wanted justice instead of financial assistance, adding that peace between the Christian and Muslim communities should not be made at the cost of letting the culprits go scot-free.
Bahmniwala is home to some 125 Christian families, who have lived there for over one-and-a-half centuries. A fight between a Muslim and a Christian boy last week flared into a communal confrontation.
Even though the situation is now under control, and peace has been restored, the Christians demand justice and punishment for those who attacked them and burnt their homes.
Local Christian residents told Daily Times that police contingents were still deployed in the village. They said the cleric who is allegedly responsible for the incident, is still at large, and those who led the mob are still living in the village.
Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti told Daily Times he had immediately ordered that an FIR be registered after he visited the area. He said he had expressed solidarity with the victims and asked a team to assess the losses that they had suffered. “We will protect the rights of the minorities for sure. The culprits behind this entire episode will not be spared and punished. Justice will be provided,” he said. He said staging a protest was everyone’s right.
(Daily Times)
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