Muhammad Ali Jinnah – The Conservative-Patriot Christian Right

Independence Day

August 14th commemorated Pakistan’s independence from British rule and the Muslim partition from India. Shamim Masih reflects on how this Independence Day has evolved for Pakistani Christians and other non-Sunni Muslims in general. Shamim does not say this specifically, but his description of the plight of Pakistani Christians is the result of Sharia Law and Islamic Supremacism.

JRH 8/16/15

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Independence Day

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 8/14/2015 11:51 AM

As a Sunni majority Pakistan is celebrating the 68th Independence Day, where religious minorities of the country are still living in fear. Pakistan came into being on the basis of the odd two nation theory. In spite of living together for centuries, the Hindus and the Muslims were unable to co-operate and co-exist with each other on the basis of religion. Thus the two nation theory was presented and pretended that there were two different nations living in the sub-continent, who have different religions, cultures and social values and back ground. And they can never merge with each other; whereas cultural and social values were mostly common other than religion. Therefore Muslim leaders demanded a separate homeland for them.

After years of struggle, Mohammad Ali Jinnah succeeded in getting a separate homeland for the Muslims of South Asia in 1947. On August 11, 1947. This was just three days prior to independence. Jinnah the founder of the country made a speech in the constitution assembly and called on Pakistanis not to interject religion into their public lives. The important role of minorities was enshrined in the national flag with a white bar. He said, you are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.

Now you see that the founding father has set other religions minorities’ free and mentioned that religion, caste or creed has nothing to do with the business of the State. But after two decades, an ideological state established in the name of Islam lost its east wing. East Pakistan emerged on the world map as Bangladesh. Unfortunately Pakistan is not independent in true spirit yet; certain mindset persons dominate and rule [the nation]. After the partition of Bangladesh [from the central government in the west], later Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto started discrimination with religious minorities. He declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims and managed to sideline the religious minorities nationalizing Christian’s educational and health institutions.

Later a military dictator Gen Zia made strict blasphemy laws and since then more than 1500 blasphemy cases were reported. Sources confirm that 51 blasphemy accused were murdered before their respective trials were over. How can Pakistan be truly called independent when its religious minorities suffer? Asia Bibi, mother of five, Sawan Masih and a Christian Couple in Gojra and many others are still suffering in jail from a death sentence accused of blasphemy cases. If the constitution gives equal rights to all citizens; why were Christian colonies like Shanty Nager, Sangla Hill, Gojra and Joseph Colony and a Church in Mardan city all set ablaze? The Christian couple was burnt alive and churches in Bhawalpur [or Bahawalpur], Peshawar and Youhanabad, Lahore were attacked where hundreds worshipers were killed and many were injured. Christians along with other minorities of Pakistan faces discrimination and persecution by the State and fellow citizens. They are routinely been accused of blasphemy and attacked or jailed. Their homes and worship places are burned down. Young girls are kidnapped, raped and forcefully converted to Islam and married.

Nazir S Bhatti, president Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC) said Pakistan Christians are not free in a true sense, instead they are gone into slavery. They can’t worship freely and enjoy their life. He said rulers have bulldozed minorities’ basic rights and turned them into second class citizens of the country. Thus the independence day of the 14th August, does not represent a true spirit of freedom. Albert David, chairman Pakistan United Christian Moment (PUCM), while expressing his view on Independence Day said unfortunately the real freedom and real democracy could not prevail in the country. The government and private sector have failed to provide equal rights to minorities in Pakistan. We can even see the discrimination in the legislation. Top most offices in the country are banned for minority representatives. Doors of the President house, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Chief of Army Staff and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are closed for religious minorities.

During Ramadan, all restaurants and other coffee shops are closed, not only this no minority member can eat or drink in an open space. The law is extremely hypocritical and prejudiced not only on a social level, but also on a religious level. It has been preached and a guarantee of equal rights to minorities in [our] Islamic [nation] as well as the constitution of Pakistan. Then why are religious minorities deprived to eat in restaurants or at offices or any other public place? Why [enforce Islamic religious obligations on minorities if] it is not their religious duty to fast during Ramadan? Enforcing respect of Ramadan by an ordinance is a violation of human rights. [Can you agree that] it is not a violation of human rights? Now the time has come that the people of Pakistan and the government have to realize that religious observance is usually a personal matter, not an insurance plan.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Correspondent,

Pakistan Today, (About Pakistan Today)

Blogger and Human Rights Activist

For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending money with this LINK to a Western Union agent in Islamabad. Include Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

_______________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Text or links embraced by brackets are by the Editor for an American reading audience.

© Shamim Masih

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Intro to ‘Justice Delayed is Justice Denied’

Intro by Editor: John R. Houk

Post date: August 12, 2015

Author: Shamim Masih

Shamim begins his exposure of the treatment of Christians in Pakistan by quoting a former Pakistani Supreme Court Justice in his first paragraph which I updated from an English language report on the Daily Times of Pakistan. Perhaps you should read the entire link because Dost Muhammad Khan laments the radical Islam as a doctrinal error overtaking Islam. That means that D.M. Khan is what we here about in the USA as a moderate Muslim believing the true Islam (actual quote: “the glorious and balanced philosophy and message of Islam”) is not the same faith as that practiced by a huge amount of Sunni Muslims in Pakistan.

I believe former Justice Khan is sincere of his perception of Islam; however if indeed his sincerity is actual his understanding of the Islam founded by the pseudo-prophet Mohammed and perpetuated for centuries by that theopolitical religion’s leaders (political and religious leadership was one and the same especially in Islam’s first thousand years or so) is actually represented primarily in the Quran as well as that document’s commentaries of Hadith and Sira. Those three termed together by Bill Warner as Islam’s trilogy (See Also HERE) reveal an ideology that is much closer to the practices exemplified by what the U.S. media often calls Radical Islam.

Shamim culminates his thoughts with the typical belief of all Pakistanis that believe they live in a nation founded upon equal rights for all religious beliefs:

“Is this the country, founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah dreamed for?”

One: Jinnah died shortly after the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was founded. Two: Jinnah’s successor leaders planted the seeds for the domination of Radical Sunni Islam in Pakistan. Three: I am uncertain of the actuality of Jinnah to an equal rights Pakistan (HERE is an anti-Jinnah video from a radical Sunni perspective).

Shamim’s dream of a secular social justice Pakistan based on the civil rights thoughts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah probably will not occur in Shamim Masih’s time.

After the Justice Khan quote Shamim proceeds to write of a few of the persecuted Christians beginning with Asia Bibi’s plight.

JRH 8/12/15

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Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 8/11/2015 4:07 PM

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan Justice Dost Muhammad Khan “on Saturday said that God would judge each person deeds according to His justice; therefore, judges should render expeditious justice to litigant public and earn the pleasure of God.”

In June 2009, Asia Noreen, known as Asia Bibi lived in a village of Dist. Sheikhupura had arguments with Muslim women for drinking water in the same cup. She was subsequently accused of insulting the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, although she denied but was arrested and imprisoned. In November 2010, a judge sentenced her to death. Additionally, a fine of the equivalent of $1,000 was imposed with the verdict and thus mother of five became the first woman condemned to death in Pakistan on blasphemy charges.

In October 2014, her death sentence had been confirmed by the Lahore High Court – LHC. A month later, in November 2014, Asia Bibi filed an appeal in the Supreme Court as her final legal recourse, dashing hopes the conviction might be overturned or commuted to a jail term. After five year on the death row, in July 2015, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has suspended her execution given leave to appeal. But no hearing date was set.

The execution of Asia Bibi has been suspended and will remain suspended until the decision of this appeal, her lawyer told media outside the court. However Asia Bibi will remain in jail between life and death. Bibi’s blasphemy case has become the most controversial blasphemy case in the world.

Although Pakistan has never executed anyone for blasphemy but some people accused of the offence in the past have been lynched by crowds. Lawyers, judges and those seeking to reform the blasphemy laws have been threatened, attacked or even killed.

Since General Zia ul Haq included the stringent blasphemy law in the constitution violence worsens in Pakistan. Thousands of the people have charged under this law since then. Prior to 1986, only 14 cases pertaining to blasphemy were reported. According to sources, 51 people accused of blasphemy were murdered before their respective trials were over.

Christians along with other minorities in Pakistan face discrimination and persecution by the state and fellow citizens. They are routinely accused of blasphemy and attacked or jailed. Their homes and churches are burned down; young girls are kidnapped, raped and are forcefully converted to Islam and married. If I do remember, since Shanti Nager violence, Christians find it nearly impossible to get justice from the state when they are harassed or discriminated against.

Since then thousands of the Christians have fled to U.N. refugee camps in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other countries. Where they are mistreated and see no future even. To acquire Thai and Malaysian visas is not difficult.

On the other hand European and the US does not allow any Pakistani Christian to enter in fearing they will go for asylum. Thus mostly they are refused even if they are genuine [persecuted refugees].

According to a report, the motive behind the Badamibagh, Lahore incident was a personal grudge, but Sawan Masih was sentenced to death accused of blasphemy. Many Christians are behind bars accused of the [reprisal] lynching [of Muslims] in Youhanabad. There are many laws and social norms firmly in place to ensure that Christians don’t dare think beyond what is prescribed for them.

This is very unfortunate that the judiciary, government and its law enforcement agencies are not serious to resolve minority issues and have failed to protect minorities while parliament had failed to end discrimination among all nations of the country. Is this the country, founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah dreamed for?

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Correspondent,

Pakistan Today, (About Pakistan Today)

Blogger and Human Rights Activist

__________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Any content embraced by brackets are by the Editor.

The only link within Shamim’s essay by the Editor is the quote by Dost Muhammad Khan.

© Shamim Masih

Pak-Stan, Land of Pure

Intro to ‘Pak-Stan, Land of Pure’

Edited by John R. Houk

11/5/14

Shamim Masih writes about Sunni Muslims persecuting all the religious minorities of Pakistan. Shamim points out religious strife in Pakistan is largely due to the intolerance by Sunnis of all things not Muslim especially all things not Sunni Islam. Then Shamim segues how some Pakistani Sunnis flipped their lid when some students participated in an international student fair choosing Israel their nation to commemorate.

Now let me address Shamim’s title, “Pak-Stan, Land of Pure”:

Many writers translate the word ‘Pakistan’ as ‘Land of the Pure’; this is incorrect. The word Pakistan consists of two parts, i.e., Pak and Istan. While Pak is a Persian word, which mans (sic) holy/ pure/ clean, the word Istan is from the word isthan, which is a Hindi word meaning a place. For example ‘Janum Isthan’ means the place of birth. So the word Pakistan means a holy/ pure/ clean place (country) and not the ‘Land of the Pure’. The word Pak is an adjective which describes ‘Istan’ (Isthan), place and not its inhabitants. This is eulogized in the National Anthem; which begins as ‘Pak Sar Zamin Shad Baad’ As regards its inhabitants; all of them cannot be said to be pure as they have proved time and again. (The true meaning of Pakistan; By KHAWAJA MUHAMMAD BASHIR BUTT; The Nation; 1/19/13)

I suspect Shamim views the Land of the Pure through the filter of the hope that Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah was genuine in his founding speech proclaiming:

You are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed. That has nothing to do with the business of the State. – Presidential address to the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, Karachi, 11 August 1947 (Muhammad Ali Jinnah; Wikiquote)

The minority religions in Pakistan to this do believe this was a promise for secular state in which all the citizens of Pakistan would enjoy equal civil rights. I believe this was a lie. You can read a decent essay that sets the case that Jinnah was not being honest to the future citizens of Pakistan: “Muslim Partition of an Independent and United India”.

If Pakistan was ever to be considered the Land of the Pure it was more in the sense of a Nazi Aryan pure race in which like Hitler’s German supremacy, Pakistan was intended to be an Islamic Supremacist State.

JRH 11/5/14

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Pak-Stan, Land of Pure

Pakistani demanded expulsion of the students for displaying pro-Israel

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 11/4/2014 7:11 PM

ISLAMABAD: Rawalpindi city was seized for three days due to the Moharam [Also Muharram] riots [Religious conflict between Sunnis and Shias – HERE and HERE] in October, 2013. Roads were blocked, mobile service was off and the residents faced a short fall off their household items. Sunni Muslims wanted to dictate to the other faiths of the country. There is large number of Shia Muslims living in the country, on every year when there is Moharam, the situation becomes worse. This has been [going] on for years, both targets each other; and thus the situation is getting worse day by day (I am sorry, but it is fact). When there are different schools of thought and people are from different faiths, you have to be tolerant. Tolerance is the essence of the faith you believe in.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah had conceived Pakistan as a democratic state for Muslims and all others, [where] they could live together in peace and harmony. And every Pakistani can worship freely according to his belief. Unfortunately a religious mind-set had started ruling after Pakistan’s independence. As a result, insecurity, terrorism and intolerance are prevailing in the country. No Pakistani feels safe and secure in the country either from the majority or minority. Minorities – weak segment of the society – is especially targeted [by the] majority Muslims, especially Shias are not protected.

Recently the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) arranged an international student fair at Faisal Mosque. Students publicly displayed Israeli culture & customs that include Israeli flags, photographs of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Orthodox Jews, a high-tech manufacturing plant, and Jerusalem’s Al- Aqsa [See HERE]. The mere presence of the display triggered a ferocious and immediate reaction led by religious and student groups on campus and across the country. After a firestorm of criticism, authorities at the university empanelled a disciplinary committee to investigate and punish the students behind the stall. Even this was discussed in the parliament and parliamentarians demanded to take strict action against those students, who have promoted Israeli culture and painted it as land of peace and prosperity. Unfortunately people don’t accept others.

When there are different schools of thought and people are from a different faith, you have to be tolerant. Since, the people of Pakistan tied with Jordanians and Egyptians are the world’s most anti-Semitic people. According to the most recent Pew Global Attitudes Survey only 2% of all Pakistani polled reported favorable attitudes towards the Jewish people and Israel. Perhaps, they could be Christians. Christians around the world believe Jews as [the] favorite nation of God.

For more than a decade – Pakistan [has] faced terrorism and you [can] find different protests, mobile phone service [is often] off, sit-ins, energy shortages etc. The law and order situation has reached its worse. Politicians are smashing each other and only nationalism is seen in papers. Normally on every other occasion, when people are celebrating their special days, mobile service usually is off. This is so-called precautionary measure taken for security reasons.

Biblically speaking- Jews, Christians and Muslims are siblings of Abraham. Thus Pakistani Christians believe and obey the Word of God. We being Christians believe that Jacob (son of Isaac) was named Israel by God. And God loved Israel throughout his life and ordered to bless Israel. It is written in the Bible; Genesis 27:28-29 ……. May nations serve you and people bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers…… may those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed.

When it is written in the Bible, we being Christian have to follow the teaching and we bless Israel. When it is written; those who bless [Israel will] be blessed. Isaac’s blessing was irrevocable. Israel is the land of prophets; most of messages came from this soil.

I give you an example, Hindus of India chose to be secular as that is what their religion teaches; acceptance. When there are 330 million gods you have to be tolerant. That is the beauty of pantheism and polytheism. There are around 180 million Muslims in India. Not only the population is increasing by the percentage but the total population is increasing too. It is due to tolerance from Hindus that Muslims are just multiplying in India.

The authorities have to realize that many Hindus are migrating to India and thousands of Pakistani Christians and Shia Hazaras are seeking asylum in different countries. It doesn’t make any difference if Pakistan does not accept Israel. Israel exists and it is member of United Nations. And most importantly Christ Jesus was born in Jerusalem and set an example of tolerance. A land of peace and prosperity; live long Israel.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

Diplomatic Correspondent, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, UN, F & S, MOST and CADD

Daily Khabrian – in Urdu (PakBiz.com description – in English) & Channel – 5

Human Rights Activist

For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending this LINK to a Western Union agent in Islamabad. Include Shamim’s phone – +92-300-642-4560

___________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

All links and text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.

© Shamim Masih

Pakistani Christians Doomed to Oppression under Islamic Rule of Law

John R. Houk

© June 28, 2014

I started this post as an introduction to Shamim Masih’s latest journalistic contribution about Christian life in Pakistan. My intro became too long ergo I am posting it followed by Shamim’s report entitled “Care for Christians in Pakistan”.

Shamim demands social justice for Pakistan minorities with his emphasis on Pakistan’s Christians. Some of the questions Shamim asks:

Will I be safe today? Do I actually have the right to live freely? Can I walk on my own?

Shamim is typical of Pakistani-Christians. As a Christian he desires religious liberty without oppression. As a Pakistani Shamim is wholly devoted to Pakistan as the nation of his birth – he is a Pakistani patriot.

A lot of Pakistani-Christians because of birth and once experiencing the British legal system prior to 1947, have a difficult time realizing the obvious. As long as Pakistan calls itself a Muslim Republic Christians and all non-Muslims will be second class citizens (Pakistan is a Sunni majority nation so Shi’ites are included in minority discrimination).

Pakistani-Christians look back to Pakistan independence in 1947 (carved away from India with the intention of providing Muslims political security from the Hindu majority of India proper). Pakistan’s founder – Muhammad Ali Jinnah – in speech stumping for independence expressed a desire for a secular Pakistan in which all religions and ethnicities were to be respected. Because of this even the Pakistani-Christians loved Jinnah and his legacy. Due to the nature of Islam, if Jinnah was ever sincere, I doubt he would have succeeded. At any rate the Jinnah legacy lives on among Pakistani-Christians because Jinnah did not live long enough to maintain the original Constitution. After Jinnah’s death in 1948 of lung cancer, Pakistan began to devolve into an Islamic State. Z.A. Bhutto (latter hung in 1979) expressly began to use Islam as a unifier of the Sunni Muslim ethnicities of Pakistan followed by the Quran and Sharia Law becoming the standard of the rule of law. It is my opinion as long as the rule of law is based on Islam, Christians are doomed to be persecuted and marginalized in Pakistan.

JRH 6/28/14 [Please scroll toward the end to view Shamim’s donation info]

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Care for Christians in Pakistan

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 6/28/2014 12:58 PM

ISLAMABAD: Social evil is one of the most brutal and biggest curses to any nation which plays the vital role in the destruction of the society in any country or state. Pakistan is amongst one of those countries which are facing various disparaging social evils which have affected the law and order situation in the country, national harmony and peace.

Will I be safe today? Do I actually have the right to live freely? Can I walk on my own? These are just some questions every Pakistani asks himself every day. But as a religious minority member, I feel 200% insecure [more] than Sunni Muslims. There has been an unprecedented number heinous acts committed against religious minorities lately, whether it be violence, blasphemy, rape cases. Justice is still pending for countless cases in the country and the state has failed to deliver what is promised since independence – equality and justice for all. Development is not mere statistics based on only economic growth. What position does Pakistan have, when the cries of the minorities are stifled and the meek are silenced? On one hand we boast of a nation and its unity in diversity and on the other hand religious minorities has no voice of their own. They are merely shunted to the periphery for the society.

Sometimes I feel nothing can stir the consciousness of the people. We live in a materialistic era where money presides over the social issues, our own humanity. We all suffer from the ostrich syndrome. We think nothing is wrong till we start suffering. We fail to push forward the need for a change, a revolution.

September 22, 2013, witnessed the most brutal act that created ripples of protest all over the world. Twin explosions at All Saints Church in Peshawar killed more than 80 people and wounded over 100 others. The heinous act was strongly condemned in Pakistan and the world as well. Many houses in Joseph Colony, Lahore were set ablaze including two churches. I thought that the leaders and police would have more empathy for the sufferings of the weaker segment of the society. Finally the Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto [Latin Literally translated, it means “on its own motion,” and the term generally refers to a situation wherein a judge acts without request by either party to the action before the court – in Pakistan] action and the Supreme Court of Pakistan has brought smiles on the faces of the poor strata of the society.

The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan ordered the federal government to form a national council of minorities’ rights for protection of minority rights and ensuring religious harmony. The order further stated that those responsible for religious hate speech on social media must be brought to justice and children who face harassment at their schools because of their religious beliefs should be protected. The apex court also ordered the formation of a special force to protect of worship. [Blog Editor: Pakistan SC 32 page in pdf and in English]

Chief Justice (CJ) Tassaduq Hussain Jilani ordered federal and provincial governments to meet a quota of minorities in employments in all services. The court asked the registrar to form a three-member bench to ensure the order is carried out. The new bench will also take up any cases related to the abuse of minorities. The said rulings were made in the detailed judgment on a suo moto case pertaining to the suicide bombing attack on a church in Peshawar in September, 2013.

Although the CJ has ordered the formation of a National Council of Minority Rights the fact is – extremism is on the rise and especially when blasphemy laws are still on the statute book. If we observe the past practice of the government, it is difficult to say whether government will take interest immediately to implement the order. The past practice is minority faith groups including Christians, are frequently targeted and the misuse of the blasphemy laws in particular has been blamed for increasing inter-religious tensions across the country. And Pakistan was also named the sixth most violent place for Christians to live by leading persecution charity Open Doors. [Blog Editor: Actually the Open Doors WWL has Pakistan at number 8. I am guessing Shamim’s source for 6^th as a persecutor of Christians comes from Carey Lodge writing ChristianToday.com.]

Pakistani Christians have welcomed the CJ orders but ground reality is totally different. We’ve viewed the past practice of the Pakistani government and society, in this situation we can only hope that after clear and cogent instruction from the CJ, the Pakistani government especially during the PML-N ruling takes positive steps towards making minorities feel secure in the country.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

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Pakistani Christians Doomed to Oppression under Islamic Rule of Law

John R. Houk

© June 28, 2014

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Care for Christians in Pakistan

Shamim’s report is an edited version by John R. Houk

All links and text enclosed brackets are from the Editor

Special Correspondents

Daily Khabrian (PakBiz.com description) & Channel – 5

Human Rights Activist

Snapshot of Human Rights Activism from 2011

Christian Rights Activist
Freelance Journalist

Secretary General of Information

Pakistan Christian Congress

Shamim Masih’s Donate/Support info:

Editor: For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending to a Western Union agent in Islamabad.

FOR USD TRANSFER.
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Intermediary Bank SWIFT BIC: MSHQUS33
Beneficiary Bank: JS BANK LIMITED
Beneficiary Bank SWIFT BIC: JSBLPKKA
Bank A/c # at Intermediary bank: 70008227
Title Of a/c Shamim Masih
Beneficiary Account Number: 405527

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Unhinged Society

Shamim Masih has always written reports and essays with a tinge of optimism based on Pakistan’s founding past under Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Jinnah had a vision for a secular democratic nation in which the citizens lived in mutual respect of ethnicity and religion. Pakistan became independent on August 14, 1947 and Jinnah died September 11, 1948. Jinnah’s vision was widely spoken but not really ever effectively applied. In this essay Shamim demonstrates the beginning of the understanding that Pakistan’s Islamic Supremacist government standard will not alter and that the Pakistan minorities – especially the Christians – are doomed to misery unless a cataclysmic upheaval turns Pakistan’s direction. Personally I don’t see that happening in my life time.

JRH 2/10/14

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Unhinged Society

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 2/9/2014 11:53 AM

ISLAMABAD: The straightforward fact is, when I am writing these lines; I find no hope provision of justice and protection to marginalized portion of the society. I am representative of the most vulnerable community of the country, largely dealt under Islamic militancy. Until 2006, rape in Pakistan was a crime that was largely dealt with under Islamic law. Women had to produce four male witnesses to the crime. The failure to do so could mean being charged with adultery. On the other hand, anyone can be charged with blasphemy and be immediately detained without safeguards or the opportunity for bail. Under this law, the only evidence needed is one “reliable” man’s word. Ill-treatment and torture of the accused in the custody are common practice. Judicial proceedings can take years, resulting in innocent victims languishing in jails with pending trials or appeal. Judges become biased and legal representatives and care takers are threatened. Political leaders, police and officials in the judicial system often collude in the victimization of the poorest in society.

Because the blasphemy law is open to abuse it has become a powerful tool to ignite religious extremism, encourage hostility towards minority groups and give Islamic zealots opportunities to take the law into their hands. During the last few years many Christians have been falsely accused of blasphemy under this law – often mischievously by people with selfish motives and the number is rising. Pakistan’s tough blasphemy laws have attracted criticism from rights groups, who say they are frequently abused to settle personal scores.

According to a study by USAID, Pakistani courts roots in the British colonial system means that across much of the country they are viewed with considerable suspicion, and that skepticism has fueled doubts about their legitimacy. Questions about legitimacy are compounded by the low level of efficiency, the prevalence of delays, the inferior quality of legal training, corruption, and perception that the court system is a tool for the delay of justice, manipulated by rich and/or powerful interests in the society.

In the same situation; proceedings of the current blasphemy cases are interrupted. Attorney and caretakers are being threatened; pamphlets are dropped in their offices warning them to disassociate themselves from blasphemy cases dealings. Christians face a number of problems because of other laws concerning marriage, divorce, guardianship and inheritance. In cases of abduction of Christian women, the Muslim man can declare that his abducted wife has converted to Islam. Thus marriage, solemnized under the family laws of non-Muslims, can be dissolved with immediate effect.

In this situation; what we need to do, either to sit and wait for anyone to intrude or take some sold steps, to hold their horses. If Pakistan wishes to overcome its security issues, it must reject militancy in its entirety, even so-called freedom fighters. We have exhausted all options of talks; a military option seems like the only step to curb elements that destabilize the country. In the long term, the government needs to support efforts to promote interfaith harmony and generate dialogue that can find a middle ground on ideological divisions. The future of vulnerable minorities looks bleak in a country that is religiously sensitive and combustible to variance in ideologies. The state has failed to perform its primary duty of protecting its citizens. Meanwhile, the minorities remain in fear and fight for survival.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

___________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

Special Correspondents

Daily Khabrian (PakBiz.com description) & Channel – 5

Human Rights Activist

Snapshot of Human Rights Activism from 2011

Christian Rights Activist
Freelance Journalist

Secretary General

REAP

Shamim Masih’s Donate/Support info:

Editor: For Americans especially, I have discovered the best way to donate to Shamim Masih is via Western Union sending to a Western Union agent in Islamabad.

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Ulema’s Constitution

Former president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offer Fateha during public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on Friday, December 27, 2013. – PPI Photo

The Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilal Bhutto Zardari (son of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari) delivered a speech that Pakistani-Christian journalist Shamim Masih believes the Zardari remarks pertaining to minorities – especially Christians – was a mere political ploy. I am unsure to which speech or written text Shamim is referring to. Bilal (or Bilwal) Bhutto Zardari gave what was considered a pivotal speech at Garhi Khuda Bux pertaining to the current political party in government and that the Pakistan government should not tolerate the terrorism of the Taliban. The reason for the speech was in honor of his assassinated mother Benazir Bhutto. In the few English language stories I read about this speech I did not detect any indications of intentions toward Pakistani minorities. However I did discover a small blurb about how Bilwal’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has come up with the funding to restore the All Saints Church in Peshawar which was victimized recently by two Taliban homicidal suicide bombers. My guess is this is the possible event causing mistrust by Shamim Masih.

UPDATE – 1/1/14

Shamim updated his post by sending a tweet image capture pertaining to the reason why he mistrusts a statement of Bilwal Bhutto Zardari.

JRH 12/31/13

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Ulema’s Constitution

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 12/31/2013 2:42 AM

ISLAMABAD: Throughout the Christmas celebration, 2013 Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilwal Bhutto Zardari [Zardari bio] claimed that [he] wanted to see some sort of Christian Prime Minister in Pakistan within my lifetime. He greeted ‘Merry Christmas’ to every Christian worldwide and particularly to Pakistani Christian believers. With his statement, the roars connected with Pakistani non-secular politicians raise at the same time the other people. Although I realize it’s mentioned inside the constitution in the country that a non-Muslim cannot be the president or Prime Minister in Pakistan. But there are some certain facts I am providing how [the] section of the constitution [came to be] that the President and the Prime Minister in Pakistan need to be a Muslim.

Pakistan came into being in 1947 under section 8 in the Indian Independence Act, 1947, the Govt. India act, 1935. And after nine years the initial document had been served as Constitution 1956. For once, the composition of Pakistan provided definition of a Muslim which often states; Muslim means someone who believes inside unity and also oneness of Allah, inside absolute and also unqualified finality in the prophet cover of Islamic prophet, Muhammad, and won’t believe within, or recognize being a prophet or maybe religious reformer, any person who claimed or maybe claims as a prophet, in a sense in the word or maybe of just about any description whatsoever, after Muhammad.

It had been mentioned for once that simply a Muslim may very well be qualified pertaining to election as President (male or maybe female). There was no reduction of religion for the person holding any office of the speaker in the National Assembly. Secondly, should the president resign his [Office] or a vote of no-confidence goes against him or her, then in line with the constitution the actual speaker would become the actual President in the State until the election in a new president. Under the actual special circumstances, a non-Muslim could easily get the opportunity to [ascend] to president of Pakistan. [There are] no restrictions about religion or maybe gender on any post, up to provincial governor and also chief minister. The quality presented through first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan [Blog Editor: Biography] and the resolution had been debated pertaining to five days. The leading members in the government and quite a few non-Muslim associates, especially from East Bengal [Blog Editor: East Bengal became East Pakistan of the Republic of Pakistan with the Capital City located in West Pakistan. Between West and East Pakistan lay the large expanse of newly Independent India. East Pakistan became the independent Bangladesh in 1971.], got a prominent part. Non-Muslim associates expressed grave apprehensions regarding their situation and the role inside new coverage. Hindu members in the constitutional set-up argued that the objective quality differed having Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s view in all of the fundamental points. Sris Chandra Chattopadhyaya claimed, what we hear in this particular (Objectives) Resolution seriously isn’t the voice in the great originator of Pakistan: the Quaid-i-Azam [Blog Editor: an honorific of Mohammed Ali Jinnah], nor actually that in the Prime Minister connected with Pakistan the actual Honorable Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, but in the Ulema in the land.

Birat Chandra Mandal expressed that Jinnah had “unequivocally claimed that Pakistan would have been a secular condition.” Bhupendra Kumar Datta proceeded to go a stage further: “inch… was that resolution into the future before that house from the life-time in the Great Founder of Pakistan, the actual Quaid-i-Azam, it would not attend in the present shape….” Even so, Muslim scholars along with a large portion of the folks of Pakistan were in the view that was just what exactly the Quaid-a-Azam wanted [i.e. a secular Pakistan] and that it was an excellent a step forward inside constitutional heritage of Pakistan. They in addition argued that [a secular Pakistan] objective quality [would have] provided the actual minorities to have equal rights and that they [would have] simply no compulsion, whatsoever, in taking on or transforming into Islam.

In October 1958, President Iskander Mirza abrogated the actual constitution. Soon afterwards Ayub Khan deposed Iskandar and also declared himself President.

Then the constitution drafted with the government connected with Z A. Bhutto, with the additional assistance of the country’s competing parties, it turned out to be approved with the legislative set-up on April 10 and also ratified on 14 August 1973. Unlike the prior legal papers of 1956 and also 1962, the 1973 constitution cannot be changed. Alternatively, constitutional efficiencies are added to it, altering its impact. He [i.e. Bhutto (?)] added that a Muslim could simply end up being the President or maybe the Prime Minister in Pakistan. No legislation repugnant to Islam should be enacted and the present legislation shall in addition be Islamized. No restriction about religion or maybe gender on any post, up to provincial governor and also Chief Minister.

The Amendment (w.e.f. 1974) in the 1973 Composition declared for once the Ahmadiyya Community or the actual Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement to the Propagation connected with Islam (Lahoris) as non-Muslims, and also their leader, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed to become a prophet connected with God, to which often mainstream Muslims tend not to agree having.

This had been Mr. Z A. Bhutto himself who placed inside the constitution that [both the] president [and] Prime Minister [can only] be a Muslim. [There were] no restrictions about religion or maybe gender on any post, up to provincial governor and also chief minister. In this Islamic atmosphere neither Christian nor any minority member can be able to become the provincial governor or maybe chief minister.

Internationally everyone is turning to interfaith dialogue and agreeing to other faiths but [the government] should not impose this rigid Islamic Jihadist [ideology on non-Muslim Pakistani minorities in political representation]. This is simply not constitution connected [originally by the Founders] with Pakistan, but [it is the] constitution connected with Mullahs. Precisely how [does the] young Bilawal Bhutto Zardari think [the Islamic centered constitution could include the possibility of non-Muslims to attain the high Office of President or Prime Minister]? This is merely a way to [gain the] sympathies of Christians [politically and this is] just [the only reason for such public remarks].

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

________________________________

Edited by John R. Houk

All brackets and links are from the Editor with the hope greater clarity exists for American readers.

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The Two Jinnahs of Pakistan Independence

John R. Houk

Shamim Masih and other Pakistani minorities perceive that Pakistan’s Founding Father Muhammad Ali Jinnah – a Muslim – as championing equal rights for Pakistan’s non-Muslim minority population. On the other hand Jinnah took significant violent steps in pre-independent India/Pakistan to get the British and the Hindu-Sikh leadership to agree to a partitioned India along roughly Hindu-Muslim lines. Jinnah’s call has many names but the predominant title is “Direct Action Day.” On this day the Muslim minority of the Indian Subcontinent initiated acts of butchery aimed at Hindus and Sikhs.

On this Direct Action Day the majority Hindus wised up rapidly and back-lashed against the Muslims with an equal action of atrocity. Jinnah’s call to take action that resulted in mutual slaughtering served his purpose. It was agreed upon to separate a Muslim swath from the Hindu-Sikh majority. In cases in which large communities of Hindus resided in the Muslim areas they would re-settled in Hindu India. Muslim communities that felt threatened by the Hindu majority were re-settled in the new Pakistan. Partition led to mutual atrocities with forced population transference.

I can see little effort from Jinnah on bringing the atrocities to an end from his side of the partition; however I have no doubt that Jinnah wanted a Pakistan nation that utilized equal rights more than Shariah Law for the remaining minorities. For one thing Jinnah was a member of the Shia minority of Islamic Pakistan. Shamim points out that minority rights was in Jinnah’s mindset from the speeches he made. However, Jinnah’s early death in the first years of the Pakistan government proved to be a coffin nail in the casket of minority rights.

JRH 5/5/13

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Pakistani Christian wishes for renaissance of Jinnah’s Pakistan

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 5/2/2013 5:31 AM

Islamabad Pakistan (Shamim Masih): It remains a fact that minorities of Pakistan are crippled and damaged under an anarchy system. In the prevailing social scenario of the country the message of the founder of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah appears to be lost somewhere and the continuous hatching of conspiracies by certain elements with vested interests and nefarious designs, seems to have prevailed. Mr. Jinnah, while addressing the concerns of communities in Pakistan, very clearly said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your Churches or to any other place of worship in the state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.”

Before Election 2013, representatives from different political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to religious minorities and promised to work for a Pakistan where every person, regardless of caste, creed or faith, is treated equally in the day-long national consultation on the “Election 2013, Role and Responsibility of the Religious Minorities” organized by the coalition for the Rights of Minorities (CRM).

Earlier South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) arranged group discussion “Awam Chahtey Hain” and Romana Bashir, (a social activist from the Christian minority) among the panelists raised and demanded a clear policy from the mainstream political parities against hate material in the syllabus and anti-human and anti-minority laws.

According to the report, the Social Studies curriculum in Pakistan, as the product and propagator of the ‘Ideology of Pakistan,’ derives its legitimacy from a narrow set of directives.

The textbooks authored and altered during the 11 years of General Zia ul Haq’s rule are still being taught in schools. They are decidedly anti-democratic and inclined to dogmatic tirades, the report said.

It said the country’s education system had nurtured a cadre of religiously conservative youth as the Pakistan Studies curriculum employed a narrow, politicized definition of Islam in the construction of Pakistani nationalism.

Local textbooks teach students that the Hindus (of India) are backward and superstitious and given a chance, they would assert their power over the weak, especially, Muslims, depriving them of education by pouring molten lead in their ears. “Pakistan Studies textbooks are an active site to represent India as a hostile neighbor,” the report stated. “The story of Pakistan’s past is intentionally written to be distinct from, and often in direct contrast with, interpretations of history found in India. The report added that students were taught that Islam brought peace, equality, and justice to the subcontinent, to check the sinister ways of Hindus.

When I went through the Constitution of Pakistan, I was shaken to see the Constitutional discrimination against minorities. And it’s even pathetic to know that none of our Pakistani Christian leaders raised voice against it. Let’s go back and see the inaugural speech of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which made clear reference to the kind of the State that he envisioned. He was unequivocal that the new state will be secular as he said that it will not differentiate its citizens on the basis of religion. Founder of Pakistan died in September 1948, way before the Assembly could make a constitution for the new country. The latter leaders pegged the constitution on Islam which many describe as a gross violation of the ideal set by Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 11 August speech.

Social persecution and legal discrimination against minorities has reached at the climax point. Nationalizing Missionaries schools and colleges in 1972 was a move by Mr. Bhutto, founder of Pakistan People’s Party, PPP; thus persecution started during Bhutto’s regime. Then a military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq unleashed a wave of persecution in the 1980s, since then violence against minorities has never really ceased. Attackers kill and wound particular Christians and Ahmadis then burn their homes and businesses.

Christians and other minorities wish and expect that the reaffirmation of politicians come true and Pakistan becomes the country where all citizens shall be treated equally regardless of caste, creed or faith. Every Pakistani should take this as an initiative to stop the alienation of the religious minorities that are taking place. The government will have to address the situation at a policy level and take steps to ensure the rights of these communities. Hate speeches and exploitation of the masses under the grab of religion will have to be stopped. A combined effort is required by everyone to bring these communities back into the mainstream Pakistani identity. Their apprehensions should be addressed and they should be treated as an equal citizen. This will not only represent Islam’s message of coexistence and peace but will also form an exemplary social structure, for the whole world and fulfill the Quaid’s dream of a prosperous and peaceful Pakistani state.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

_____________________

The Two Jinnahs of Pakistan Independence

John R. Houk

____________________

Pakistani Christian wishes for renaissance of Jinnah’s Pakistan

Editing John R. Houk

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