Pakistan: Official intransigence in the face of violence against Christians

On February 22, "Life for All" – a Pakistan-based human rights organization organized a demonstration in Youhanabad, Lahore, in protest over the cases of mistreatment of Christians by Muslims. Rizwan Paul, Kashif Mazhar, Aamir Anwer and Mr. Nadeem from Protect Foundation Pakistan protested against the recent release of Mohmmad Naeem - the accused murderer in the renowned Shazia Bashir crime investigation. They also demanded punitive measures to be taken against the 300 lawyers who mobbed the original court hearing for this case that was subsequently adjourned.

Mohammed Naeem and his family were granted bail when Pakistani Christian organizations failed to present a lawyer from Shazia Bashir`s side. The Lahore High Court Bar Association had threatened that any lawyer who appears against Mohammad Naeem will have to face dire consequences. The lawyers’ fraternity is believed to be supporting Mohammad Naeem since he is a Muslim and is an influential person. Shazia was a 12-year-old servant girl working as a live-in domestic who was beaten to death by her Muslim employer.

The protesters also demanded that the Government commence an investigation into the case of Walyat Masih. The Masih family had to escape when several Muslim men attacked and then burned down the home. Now destitute, Masih and his family have been met with official indifference in the face of the attack.

So far, Pakistani police have not responded to their pleas for an investigation. Complaints have been filed on behalf of the family by Christian organizations to the governor of Punjab and to the high court . The Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti and Kamran Michael are now aware of the case, according to Xavier Michael – the regional director of Life for All. The accused arsonists remain at large. It is reported that Walyat Masih presented an application to authorities in Gujranwala for an investigation. However, to date, no police representative has entertained the application.

Xavier William and Rizwan Paul asked why the Pakistani Supreme Court remains silent in the matter. In a statement to Spero, William expressed surprise at what he termed the reticence on the part of Pakistani federal officials Shahbaz Bhatti and Kamran Michael in addressing the police inaction. Said William, “Personally, I am very surprised that both Kamran Michaeal and Shahbaz Bhatti are reticent to get involved with the case of Walayat Masih. They have both been to England and made grand overtures of how they are to be champions for our people ensuring that justice and equality are meted out equally to people of all faiths.”

“Here we are 2 weeks after the Walayat case was brought to light and neither of them has the decency to respond to an ongoing plea for help. I again implore Christian agencies and individuals to contact the two of them. Please reiterate the need for assistance for the beleaguered Masih family - who find themselves destitute, through no fault of their own.”
William pleaded "Everyone must make all possible efforts for getting the case registered and to bring the culprits to justice."