The distrust among Christians towards the government and local Muslims is an issue that the government cannot overlook - CLAAS

Lahore, Pakistan: December 22, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Five months after the brutal attacks on Christians in Gojra, it is no easier for Christians to come to terms with the tragedy, especially the burning alive of six innocent believers.  When CLAAS UK Coordinator Nasir Saeed travelled to meet victims at their makeshift camps recently, what remained with him was the sadness on their faces and the sense of anger and frustration about whether the government would ever take up their cause. The government has offered some practical support and there is hope that their houses will soon be rebuilt but what will undoubtedly be harder to rebuild is the trust among Christians towards the government and local Muslims.  Whatever trust there was, was shattered by the attacks on 1 August 2009.

The distrust is an issue that the government cannot overlook.  Rather it must take steps to foster harmony between Christians and Muslims.  CLAAS is urging local leaders to look into this as a matter of urgency and supporting Christians facing prosecution by the authorities for doing no more than defending themselves against the attackers.  CLAAS has already applied for bail for one Christian taken into custody following the attacks and is praying that he will be found innocent and released soon.  Please remember Naveed in your daily prayers along with members of the CLAAS team representing him.

CLAAS Chair the Rev Alwin Samuel and CLAAS Pakistan Director Joseph Francis had the opportunity to tell a delegation of church leaders from the UK about the situation of Christians in Gojra.  The delegation, which included the Bishop of Bradford the Rt Rev David James, The Bishop of Pontefract, The Rt. Revd. Tony Robinson, Yaqoob Masih, Dr. Musharraf Hussain and Mr. Ifran chishti travelled to Pakistan from the UK specially to visit victims of the violence.

CLAAS UK Coordinator Nasir Saeed raised their plight with the Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs in Pakistan Kamran Michael during a recent visit to the UK.  He promised to look into the matter upon his return to Pakistan.

CLAAS is continuing its annual tradition of delivering Christmas presents to persecuted Christians in Pakistan and this year we hope to deliver 400.  Your prayers and support in this are vital.