Appeal against Hector Aleem by Deputy Prosecutor General - Punjab

Mr. Hector Aleem Chairman Peace Worldwide was in jail due to a false blasphemy case and while he was suffering in prison some people and Pakistani organizations tried to defame him without any kind of evidence. When Hector Aleem was arrested, at the very beginning of the trial in January 2009, they started a propaganda that the charges of blasphemy are dropped but the truth is nothing like that ever happened. Blasphemy charges were only dropped in the final decision of the case. To support Muslim Fundamentalists and extremists, the Government of Punjab filed an appeal against the decision of Hector Aleem’s acquittal on government expenses, because they were against his work of human rights, religious freedom and rebuilding of Church. We remind you that no organization hired any lawyer for Mr. Hector Aleem. The only lawyer who was defending his case was Mr. Mir Muhammad Ghufran Khurshid Imtiazi Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan. This lawyer was hired by his own family. This appeal is under process in Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench which means the blasphemy charges are still not dropped.

The decision given by the session judge of the trial court and the appeal against this decision are attached for your information.

This is the Decision:

 

Decision copy of Hector Aleem

Decision copy of Hector Aleem

Decision copy of Hector Aleem

This is the Appeal: 

Appeal against Hector Aleem

Appeal against Hector Aleem

Appeal against Hector Aleem

Written by Hector Aleem "Christian Genocide in Pakistan"

In 1947, Christian leaders were influenced by the false promises of Quaid e Azam. SP Singha (the Christian leader) of that time voted for Pakistan, that vote was not for freedom, that vote was for slavery and bonded labor. 14 August 1947 is not the day of freedom for Christians, it is the day of slavery and bonded labor. Christians are already been tortured in Pakistan but other minorities like Hindus etc are also not spared. Pakistanis kidnap and forcibly marry the girls of minorities in Pakistan, the case of Rinkal Kumari is an example in this matter. Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan also gave decision in the favor of kidnappers. What will happen to people when the Chief Justice of a Country is unjust?

Christianity is the largest minority in Pakistan but besides being the largest number of minority, they are also the largest number of persecuted nation in Pakistan. There are lots of examples of Christian persecution since the inception of Pakistan.

Today, Pakistani Christians are regularly jailed, persecuted and even sentenced in false blasphemy cases. Pakistani fundamentalists are cutting the necks of Christians like street dogs, raping and abducting Christian girls. Shame on recent parliamentarians like Tahir Khalil Sandhoo and Kamran Michael who are enjoying the ministry with the ruling government, if they care even a little about their nation they should resign immediately and start working for Christians.

The recent case of Shafqat Masih is the worst example of blasphemy cases lodged against Christians because his whole family is in custody of the police and they have been shifted far away from their home city. This is the same case in which I was trapped and had to spend four years in prison for this offence. No Christian is such fool to send a blasphemous message to any Muslim cleric especially when they know the consequences, also, every Christian parent teaches their children not to involve their selves in any anti-Islamic activity.

There are no organizations especially Christian NGOs who are helping these victims of blasphemy instead they depends upon the local NGOs who do nothing but provides false news to the international media, normally all these organizations are the agents of the government of Pakistan who provides news according to the guidance of the Government of Pakistan.

Peace Worldwide condemns the misuse of blasphemy law in Pakistan because it is creating hate and inferiority complex in the minds of Pakistani Christians, the government, the secret agencies and courts are silent when several innocent Christians are facing persecution due to blasphemy law.

Pakistan should stop genocide of Christians of Pakistan. Or else a time will come when Christians of Pakistan will consider Pakistan their enemy and will rebel against it because same concept of two nation theory applies here.

Hector Aleem

Chairman 

Peace Worldwide

https://www.facebook.com/hectoraleem

https://www.facebook.com/Pwworg

Hector Aleem and his family were persecuted in the worst possible way

This is the letter which was issued by the Government of Pakistan. The wife of Mr. Hector Aleem (Human Rights Activist) submitted an application to Human Rights Ministry of Pakistan. After which they issued this letter just for a formality. In this letter, the Federal Minister of Human Rights ordered the Inspector General of Police to solve the matter within three days but Hector Aleem and his family were tortured for four years. In fact, when the police saw this letter, they tortured Hector Aleem and his family even more. This is the worst way a Human Rights Activist and his family are treated. Christians in Pakistan are number one in regards of persecution. 

Hector Aleem describes two nation theory in Pakistan

Before the arrival of Islam in the subcontinent, nations living there like Christians, Buddhists and Hindus were living peacefully, then came the robbers and thugs like Mohammad Bin Qasim, Mehmood Ghaznavi and others from Afghanistan and Middle East, who disturbed those peaceful people and demolished and ruined their worship places. Pakistani Muslims of today still read those awful deeds of their ancestors with fun and tell these stories to children proudly and now have named their nuclear missiles on the names of these terrorists and thugs. Then came the British, who ruled this region for many years, Muslims of that time raised their voice for two nation theory and describing it as that they have different dresses and different religion from Hindus. But the Christians of this region have been facing discrimination since the arrival of Muslims in this continent because the real enemy of Christians are Muslims not Hindus since the arrival of Islam. Their history is full of killing Christians and Jews when Islam spreaded.  When Muslims arrived in subcontinent, they followed the same path of their ancestors and targeted Christians of the region. Muslims are targeting Christians all over the world whether they are in a Muslim country or a non-Muslim country. Where Islam is dominant (as in the Middle East and Pakistan) religious minorities suffer brutal persecution with little resistance. Where Islam is in the minority (as in Thailand, the Philippines and Europe) there is the threat of violence if Muslim demands are not met.  Either situation seems to provide a justification for religious terrorism, which is persistent and endemic to Islamic fundamentalism.

Pakistani Christians are very peaceful nation and they waited for 67 years for their right of free speech and freedom to practice their religion but they are never allowed to do so in Pakistan. Two Nation theory applies here because Christians have everything different with Muslims. Christians, Jews and Muslims are called Abrahamic religions but Muslims created the difference by calling God, Allah and it is forbidden for many non-Muslims in Muslims countries to call Allah as their God. This is the biggest difference they have created. Muslims only had differences of dress and religion with the Hindus but Christians have difference of religion, culture, language, customs, dresses and everything with the Muslims. According to our Christian faith, Jesus Christ is the son of God, Christianity is based on it, and we believe that God gave all His powers to Jesus Christ, this is our faith and after Jesus Christ no prophet is required. We have been hearing that Islam spread through sword, and it is still happening in Pakistan, I have witnessed what they do to Christians of Pakistan, Christians are forcibly made to accept the Muslim Prophet as their last prophet, they are forced to renounce their religion and faith and practice the Christianity according to Islam. We are forced to accept Prophet Mohammad as our last prophet and our Christian girls are forced to cover their heads during the recitation of Quranic verses and Azan in every part of Pakistan. During these 67 years, Christians of Pakistan have faced the worst examples of discrimination. It is now time that Christians should rise against this discrimination because it is unbearable when we see our Christian girls and women being raped and kidnapped and when the judge gives the decision in favour of the rapist and kidnappers by keeping discrimination and prejudice in his mind. In blasphemy cases, one can experience the worst example of discrimination and torture in prison during this case. I, myself have been the victim of this discriminatory law and experienced and eye witnessed worst form of torture that is impossible for me to explain. The First Information Report (FIR) of a blasphemy case can be lodged on oral statement and no official investigate the case before lodging the FIR. It is required that the plaintiff should be a Muslim and the officials trust him blindly, the accused is than brought in front of the plaintiff and clerics by the police officers and they torture him in front of his plaintiffs and others. The lawyers boycott the accused and no one takes his/her case and leaves the accused alone. It is essential that the judge who is dealing the blasphemy case should be a Muslim and when the accused is produced before the court, the first question of the judge is “Why did you do it” no one asks him if he really does it? In the result, the victim losses his family, house, relatives, respect and friends and during or before the trail he gets killed by the police or inmates. Same is in the education system; the teachers are discriminative towards the Christian students. From the very first day of school, Christian child starts to hear that Christianity is a false religion and that they should accept Islam if they want to go to Heaven. Christians never get any key post in police and district management.

Now let’s talk about Politicians of Pakistan, we all know about Fazal ur Rehman who recruited many Talibans. Chairman of Council of Islamic Ideology (Islami Nazriati Council) is Maulana Sharani of JUI (F) (Jamiat Ullema Islam – Fazal ur Rehman), the same maulana who criticised a Christian MNA (Member of National Assembly) Tariq.C.Qaiser, who recited “in the name Our Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” in National Assembly though Tariq C Qaiser was reciting it as his own faith. After that they tormented and harassed him that much that he had to flee the country. Politicians like Imran Khan and Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman talks against Christianity bravely and proudly without any hesitation and give statements in favour of Talibans. When any terrorist attack or a blast occurs in Christian enclaves or Church we hear only one statement from President to MNAs (Member of National Assembly) that no Muslim can do this it is an act of enemies of Islam. Same is with print and electronic media of Pakistan; they keep disgracing Christianity and spread false news and hateful material about Christianity.

In the end I would like to say that Christians have not arrived in this region from USA or Europe they are the indigenous people of this region, but Muslims of Pakistan proudly tells about their ancestors as Sherazi from Sheraz, Bukhari from Bukhara, Qureshi from the Quresh tribe of Arab and etc. We the Christians of Pakistan are keeping our eyes on the international community and organisations like United Nations and Commonwealth to promote us because no one is helping us. Real Two Nation theory applies here in Pakistan, we want our separate homeland where we will be able to preach and practice our religion freely and openly. My article should not be made as a base of a separate homeland for Muslims living in USA or Europe because they have in migrated here from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries but we are the indigenous people of subcontinent and we have the right to demand for our own homeland but Muslims of USA and Europe doesn’t. Also Muslims in Europe and USA are enjoying freedom and equal rights but on the other hand Christians of Pakistan are suffering torture, discrimination and extinction. It is our right for a separate Christian homeland in Pakistan.

This article is published by Peace Worldwide

Mr. Hector Aleem decided to publish documents of Pakistani Government

These days everyone is talking about the women and children in the protests of Imran Khan and Tahir ul Qadri. The protesters are violent and are even entering the Pakistani parliament forcefully but still no one is allowing Nawaz Sharif government to do an operation against these protesters because everyone is saying that there are women and children in these protests. In 2008, when a Christian Church was destroyed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad, worshipers were also tortured and were jailed, these included women and children. Are these women and children from Church different then the women and children from the protest? 

Some evidence are being posted here for everyone to read, the the real issue was of the Church which was destroyed by the CDA during which worshipers were tortured, Cross and Holy Bible were also disrespected. The government document posted here is of the meeting which was held regarding the destruction of Church but some people who are the supporters of Taliban and are the touts of government are trying to tarnish the reputation of Mr. Hector Aleem by accusing him of land grabbing, fraud etc. These handful people are doing this to protect the Pakistani government and to distract people from the issue of the Church. The reality is that Mr. Hector Aleem Chairman Peace Worldwide raised voice for the Church and for the worshipers due to which he had to face many false cases including the false blasphemy case. Despite being innocent, he had to spend 4 painful years in jail, his family was displaced, his home and offices were destroyed. This is the result of peaceful struggle, In Pakistan whoever raises a voice for Christians have to suffer like Hector Aleem.

Hector Aleem urges Pakistan to become a Secular State

Many Pakistanis are unaware of the role Christians have played in the nation’s history. Christians have had a considerable impact, especially in education and health. Many of Pakistan’s most prominent leaders — including the current prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, the assassinated prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, and former President Pervez Musharraf — went to Christian schools. Christians also educated Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who founded Pakistan in 1947.

The targeting of Christians comes amid a widespread breakdown of public order. The ordinary Christian — hearing stories of gangs breaking into homes and kidnapping Christian girls and women — thinks only of survival. Pakistani Muslims are frequently the culprits in attacks on Christians. Christians have been especially vulnerable in cases concerning the blasphemy laws, which easily convert into a tool of oppression against them

This is a planned genocide of Pakistani Christians by Muslims who are backed by the Government of Pakistan. Government promises to reconstruct the homes of Christians destroyed by mobs and distribute aid are rarely carried out. This only exists on media, in newspapers or official papers of the government of Pakistan. Those Pakistanis who do speak up for Christians have themselves become targets of violence. In 2011, a governor of Punjab Province who criticized the blasphemy laws was killed by his own bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri who was then hailed as a hero. I have witnessed this during my imprisonment in Adiala prison; everyone from most junior to most senior jail officials appreciated him and addressed him as a great hero of Islam.

The situation of Christians can only be improved when Muslims of Pakistan consider all Christians of Pakistan as their countrymen and when the government of Pakistan will abolish all discriminatory and blasphemy laws against Christians and the international world should urge Pakistan to declare itself as a secular state so that everyone will be able to practice its religion freely. The name Islamic Republic of Pakistan is not acceptable and we will continue opposing it unless it becomes a secular state officially.

Decision of false cases against Hector Aleem

False cases were lodged against Mr. Hector Aleem Chairman Peace Worldwide when he raised his voice against the destruction of Church. Decision copies of these false cases are attached here so everyone can read, these decisions are proof of Hector's innocence. The main reason behind these false cases was to stop the noble cause of Hector Aleem. Whenever the judge ordered Hector to be released, he was not released by the authorities, there were always lame excuses to keep him in prison. He was also acquitted honorably from the false blasphemy case under section 295-C, the judge ordered strict action against Prosecution, Complainant and police officers. You can read the decision of false blasphemy case HERE.

Hector Aleem shares his personal experience in jail

ADIALA PRISON PAKISTAN’S VERY OWN ABU GHARIB – GUANTANAMO

I am sharing some important facts of Adiala Prison which is the model jail of Pakistan and is famous for its civilized condition, if this is the condition of civilized prison than you can imagine the condition of other prisons of Pakistan. This is only what I have seen during four years of my illegal detention for false accusations, what happened to me will be written in my next article.

Superintendent and deputy superintendent of Jail gathered all the Christian prisoners and in no uncertain terms ordered them to refrain from any religious activities including prayer sessions. The Christian prisoners, some of them having under graduate - post graduate academic qualifications were assigned janitorial duties simply because they were Christians. Those resisting such orders were warned of harsh punishment in the form of routine beating, torture and other inhumane acts if they did not toe the line. Those Christian prisoners that disobey such orders are beaten till they succumb to their injuries, The Above mentioned officials of Adiala Jail conveniently labeling such death in custody as‘Suicides’. In the absence of post mortem, how can it be determined whether the prisoner died a natural or injury inflicted death. Simply they ordered Christians to perform the dirty duty like toilet washing and gutter cleaning due to their faith.

Other Christian prisoners who are in fear cooperate with these officials by doing janitorial duties are not provided adequate safety equipment. The concept of gloves and proper footwear is alien to our comprehension. Such prisoners develop various skin related diseases eventually succumbing to their injuries without any compensation from the authorities.

The penal system was introduced by the civilized world to rehabilitate those who committed crimes. Prisons serve as a useful deterrent to crime as well as confining hardened criminals for extended periods of time thereby ensuring non repetition of crimes as well as ensuring the safety of law abiding citizens.

Undoubtedly criminals who do the crime must do the time; it is the period of detention as well as the quality of life of prisoners that differs worldwide. In developed nations, prisons are well managed by professionals who respect the fundamental rights of each prisoner. Prisoners are human being and have to be properly cared for during the entire period of their incarceration. First and foremost it is vital that prisoners are adequately fed and clothed. Religious freedom and visitation rights must be respected. If prisoners show keen interest in pursuing further education, the authorities must oblige. A reformed prisoner will be better able to re-adjust into society after serving his time. In developing countries however, prisons are misused for a variety of purposes. Innocent people are falsely accused by politicians, bureaucrats and law enforcement agencies of crimes they did not commit. It is such gross human rights violations that we like to highlight. The prison in question this time is not Abu Gharib orGuantanamo but our own Adiala Prison.

Adiala prison is located in Rawalpindi. It was originally designed to house inmates but now has more than five times that number. Cramped quarters, unhygienic living conditions, unpalatable food, inadequate healthcare facilities, absence of educational inducement, denial of religious freedom, routine torture, regular gang rape and sodomy both by wardens and hardened criminals, denial of visitation rights, confiscation of gifts and food from well-wishers are

Adiala has seen many wardens over the decades. Interestingly enough each new warden brazenly flouts the law more than his predecessor. Either the government has a special training camp where senior law enforcement officials receive training on how to excel in human rights violations or these wardens are chosen from a huge list of renowned sadists. According to my experience, even President and Prime Minister of Pakistan ignore any complaints against atrocious conditions in Adiala and prefer to ignore any plea. It seems the more complains direr the situation gets. Perhaps it’s the governments’ way of reminding that they are not prepared to except any criticism of their head handed tactics.     

Christian prisoners who dare to air their grievances to the concerned authorities or for that matter human rights organizations or NGO’s face severe punishment from wardens who simply cannot tolerate whistle blowers. Just who do these prisoners turn to, to redress their grievances? Knowing the docile characteristics of Christians, wardens deliberately inflict more inhumane punishment on Christians simply to satisfy their ego as well as earn promotion for a job well done.

The Pakistan government and Pakistani electronic and print media is quick to point out the harsh treatment to prisoners in far away places like Abu Gharib or Guantanamo but prefer to close both eyes at the atrocities that occur in prisons within their own domain. The government fails to take into account that prisoners serving time in Abu Gharib or Guantanamo are war criminals or terrorists who have committed crimes against humanity and are meted out exemplary punishment, but the Christian prisoners here in Pakistan are neither terrorist nor war criminals and have never committed crimes against humanity in the name of religion or for that matter any other warped ideology. Christian prisoners are largely in prisons for minor crimes. Moreover these Christian prisoners are Pakistani citizens and deserve equal treatment as enshrined in the Constitution.

Access to prisoners to conduct proper investigation into their allegations is rare to say the least. The prison authorities will prevent outsiders from mingling with prisoners, least their deceptive and atrocious behavior will surface. Peace Worldwide want an immediate reinstatement of religious worship and regular prayer for Christians. Moreover all janitorial duties must be equally shared by all prisoners irrespective of their religious background. After all Muslim prisoners (who are in larger numbers in Adiala prison) are equally responsible for creating an unhygienic environment, so they are just as responsible for the clean up process.

Also, an access to hospital should be given to all those Christian prisoners who have suffered injuries due to the barbaric acts of prison authorities. We would also like to see all Christian prisoners provided proper healthcare facilities and are not subjected to further physical torture. An independent body should be created to oversee any human rights violations that occur in prisons all overPakistan. Prison Wardens and other officials must either be suspended or removed from service when they are found guilty of human rights violations. These same officials must serve time in the very prison they committed these violations. International organisations should be allowed to meet regularly with all prisoners especially Christian prisoners, to better understand first-hand the situation that currently exists in Adiala Prison.  Though it is difficult for them to let these organisations visit and point out the human rights violation in the prison but if somehow any international organisation visits, they make them visit the dummy places which are free of violation and any inhumane activity and give them EVERYTHING IS OKAY report.

Enough is enough. Christians are fed up with the discriminatory, despicable and unwarranted behavior of the Pakistani government, the law enforcement agencies as well as the Muslim masses of Pakistan. Up until now Christians have been quiet on all fronts preferring to maintain the status quo but such inaction has further deteriorated the basic rights of all Christians in Pakistan.

Pakistan now enjoys a front seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. Exposing their dirty laundry on the international forum will certainly infuriate their politicians and will only further confirm Pakistan status as a nation of ‘Hypocrites’. We warn government of Pakistan to correct them and follow the right path and do what is written in the jail manual and what they show to the international organisations.

Is Pakistan prepared to live with such demeaning expletive? Will ‘Enlightened Moderation’ be further strengthened or weakened by continuous human rights violations that occur regularly in Pakistan. The time has come for the Pakistani Government as well as the people of Pakistan to embrace ‘One Nation – One People’ culture which is far more difficult for both the government of Pakistan, ISI and other agencies to digest. Christians will not any longer tolerate erosion in their birth rights and demand equal status as Citizens of Pakistan. Peace Worldwide want religious freedom for Christians of Pakistan and the right to practice their religion without continuous interference from Islamists and Government of Pakistan. We also want appropriate punishment for Muslims for similar crimes that Christians unnecessarily are incarcerated for. The socio-economic picture should register an overall improvement benefiting all Pakistani citizens, not just Muslims.

We strongly urge the Government of Pakistan as well as International Human Rights organizations to help improvePakistan’s poor human rights record. Religious extremism and racial vilification must be uprooted immediately. Senior government officials must refrain from personal prejudices while discharging their duties. Pakistan has very bad reputation. Christians would like to cooperate with the government and the people in improving the socio-economic situation, but more effort from government of Pakistan is required to achieve this objective.

Hector Aleem

Chairman

Peace Worldwide

Hector Aleem submitted an application to Senior Superintendent of Police

Mr. Hector Aleem Chairman Peace Worldwide submitted an application to senior superintendent of police against the people who destroyed and burnt the Church. Among the people who destroyed and burnt the Church were CDA officials who were under the command of Captain Faiz. After destroying and burning the Church, they arrested and tortured innocent Christian worshipers, disrespected Holy Bible, Holy Cross and Hymn books. It is to be noted that if a person accuses a Christian of burning a Koran (that may not have to be true) whole Christian villages and enclaves are burnt and destroyed by Pakistani Muslims but when they destroyed and burnt the Church, disrespected Holy Bibles and Holy Cross then no one even filed a case against the culprits. The application given below is a proof of their hypocrisy.
Hector Aleem took an action and personally submitted an application to the senior superintendent of police on 26th August, 2008. But the Senior Superintendent of Police did not take any action against the culprits instead many false cases were filed against Hector Aleem. Government started a propaganda that it was merely a land dispute. To save these officers, Hector Aleem's family, home and offices were destroyed. A false blasphemy case was also filed against him and he had to spend 4 years in prison during which he had to face worst type of torture.
The translation of the application is whats described above. The pictures of the Church after its burning and destruction including the pictures of innocent Christian worshipers who were tortured are also attached. Pakistan is the worst country for religious minorities.

Hector Aleem raised voice for Christians of Pakistan Air Force complex

Pakistani Christian civilians who were living in Pakistan Air Force Complex as workers were brutally tortured and displaced by force because of their belief in Jesus Christ. Hundreds of Christians became homeless. Mr. Hector Aleem Chairman Peace Worldwide raised voice for these Christians and pressurized Pakistan Air Force through advocacy and protests. PAF later apologized and agreed to compensate Christians displaced by them. This letter is a proof that Hector Aleem always raised his voice for religious liberty and he was not afraid of anyone.

Spent 4 years in Pakistani prison due to a false blasphemy case

This is my picture which shows the time I spent in prison for 4 years due to a false blasphemy case under section 295-C. The real face of Pakistan is very horrible, it is the worst country on this planet which does not care about Human Rights, Religious freedom etc. Pakistani jail authorities tortured me in the worst possible way during these 4 years. Their tortures and persecution could not separate me from the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. No one knows this infamous blasphemy law of Pakistan more than me. We will continue to raise voice for Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Justice and Liberty.

Stop Islamisation of Schools in Pakistan

Muslims live in North America, Europe, Australia and other non-Muslim countries, but never have the education system in these countries ever tried to impose an alien religious subject on their children, nor have the Muslim children ever been brainwashed into believing that their religion is inferior to those of other religions. As a matter of fact all children in non-muslim countries are taught the importance of national unity, patriotism, love for humanity & economic development of their respective countries.

Here in Pakistan, since the last 65 years special emphasis is given to Islamayat (Islamic studies) in all educational institutions from primary to under-graduate level. Diverse subject such as Mathematics, Science, Geography, History and even language subjects such as Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi have Islamic concoction in them. Alternative subjects such as Civics & Ethics are given little or no importance and even in these subjects, 75% teaching of Islam is present. This is well and okay if all the students in Pakistan come from Islamic backgrounds – What happens to children from Christian backgrounds? What alternative subjects are taught to them that do not include Islam? I am afraid the answer to the above two questions is not positively reassuring.

Islamic Studies is taught to Christian children from Kindergarten level and when these children reach the upper primary level, they are reasonably brainwashed by then into believing that Islam is the only superior religion and that their belief in Christ or Christianity is wrong-the Holy Bible unlike the Holy Quran has been amended and due to this fact it is no longer accurate and an inferior religion. Teachers also coax these Christian children (05 years old and above) to renounce Christianity & embrace Islam to redeem themselves from sin and promises of a place in paradise. Our Christian children when at home pose serious & misinterpreted questions to their parents about the activities that took place in their respective school and begin to question their faith creating an atmosphere or uncertainty, alienation & inferiority complex which later in life causes entrenched doubts about their religious convictions and even a switch to Islam, based on the earlier misinterpreted version imparted by their Islamic Studies teachers. It is no secret that these Islamic Studies teachers are in fact aggressively promoting Islam with the tacit approval of their respective educational hierarchy, which is turn are taking their instructions from the Government. Is this approach correct?

Let’s take another example. There was a hue & cry in France about the issue of Muslim female students not allowed to wear the scarf while in School. The Government of France made it amply clear that all students in France must follow rules & regulations and that the dress code did not include religious insignia or restrictions. The point is that Muslim prefers to adhere to their religious values in non-muslim countries but force Islamic value to non-Muslims in their own countries. Why the double standard? Can Pakistani Government justifiably prove that Islam is in fact more superior to other religion? Pakistani print and electronic media always claim that the Holy Quran explicitly forbids Muslims from discriminating against other religions. Why then the unnecessary discrimination? Pakistani Government boast about the rising number of converts to Islam but in reality, other religions are not allowed to flourish, instead other religions are demonized here. Pakistani government never provides a level playing field and usually resorts to unethical & provocative methods to inflict physiological torture on Christians.

Religion can never be forced onto others, we the Christians in Pakistan are guaranteed religious freedom both by the Constitution of Pakistan as well as the United Nations (Pakistan is a veteran member of the United Nations) but this guarantee only exists on paper – the reverse is actually applicable.

To compound problems Islamic studies is taught in the Arabic language – once again an alien and irrelevant language both for Muslim & Christian students alike, whom face extreme difficulty in comprehending this language. Then there are a few schools that teach Civics or Ethics instead of Islamic Studies but it becomes difficult for children whom are studying these particular subjects to successfully pass their examinations. This is another hand twisting methods adopted by the educators into compelling students from opting out of Civics/Ethics in favor of Islamic Studies.

Interestingly enough Christian students, who complete Islamic Studies examinations, are given good grades, even though they may not have made a serious attempt to pass.

Peace Worldwide strongly urges the Government of Pakistan both at Federal & Provincial level to cease teaching Islamic Studies to Christians, instead appoint teachers from Christian background to teach Holy Bible to Christian students. This will improve the unemployment situation for the Christians, create an atmosphere of tolerance & brotherhood and will give Christians a sense of security- sorely missing in Pakistan.

Pakistani Christians applaud the Government into allowing Aga Khan Board to be established; similarly we recommend that a Christian Board too be created to facilitate children from Christian background.
Forcibly eradicating other religious values & beliefs will only create an atmosphere of distrust, contempt, intolerance, discrimination & loss of self-esteem, a situation currently in existence here in Pakistan. Wake up Government of Pakistan before it is too late.

Hector Aleem
Chairman
Peace Worldwide

ADIALA PRISON PAKISTAN’S VERY OWN ABU GHARIB – GUANTANAMO

I am sharing some important facts of Adiala Prison which is the model jail of Pakistan and is famous for its civilized condition, if this is the condition of civilized prison than you can imagine the condition of other prisons of Pakistan. This is only what I have seen during four years of my illegal detention for false accusations, what happened to me will be written in my next article.

Superintendent and deputy superintendent of Jail gathered all the Christian prisoners and in no uncertain terms ordered them to refrain from any religious activities including prayer sessions. The Christian prisoners, some of them having under graduate - post graduate academic qualifications were assigned janitorial duties simply because they were Christians. Those resisting such orders were warned of harsh punishment in the form of routine beating, torture and other inhumane acts if they did not toe the line. Those Christian prisoners that disobey such orders are beaten till they succumb to their injuries, The Above mentioned officials of Adiala Jail conveniently labeling such death in custody as ‘Suicides’. In the absence of post mortem, how can it be determined whether the prisoner died a natural or injury inflicted death. Simply they ordered Christians to perform the dirty duty like toilet washing and gutter cleaning due to their faith.

Other Christian prisoners who are in fear cooperate with these officials by doing janitorial duties are not provided adequate safety equipment. The concept of gloves and proper footwear is alien to our comprehension. Such prisoners develop various skin related diseases eventually succumbing to their injuries without any compensation from the authorities.

The penal system was introduced by the civilized world to rehabilitate those who committed crimes. Prisons serve as a useful deterrent to crime as well as confining hardened criminals for extended periods of time thereby ensuring non repetition of crimes as well as ensuring the safety of law abiding citizens.

Undoubtedly criminals who do the crime must do the time; it is the period of detention as well as the quality of life of prisoners that differs worldwide. In developed nations, prisons are well managed by professionals who respect the fundamental rights of each prisoner. Prisoners are human being and have to be properly cared for during the entire period of their incarceration. First and foremost it is vital that prisoners are adequately fed and clothed. Religious freedom and visitation rights must be respected. If prisoners show keen interest in pursuing further education, the authorities must oblige. A reformed prisoner will be better able to re-adjust into society after serving his time. In developing countries however, prisons are misused for a variety of purposes. Innocent people are falsely accused by politicians, bureaucrats and law enforcement agencies of crimes they did not commit. It is such gross human rights violations that we like to highlight. The prison in question this time is not Abu Gharib or Guantanamo but our own Adiala Prison.

Adiala prison is located in Rawalpindi. It was originally designed to house inmates but now has more than five times that number. Cramped quarters, unhygienic living conditions, unpalatable food, inadequate healthcare facilities, absence of educational inducement, denial of religious freedom, routine torture, regular gang rape and sodomy both by wardens and hardened criminals, denial of visitation rights, confiscation of gifts and food from well-wishers are

Adiala has seen many wardens over the decades. Interestingly enough each new warden brazenly flouts the law more than his predecessor. Either the government has a special training camp where senior law enforcement officials receive training on how to excel in human rights violations or these wardens are chosen from a huge list of renowned sadists. According to my experience, even President and Prime Minister of Pakistan ignore any complaints against atrocious conditions in Adiala and prefer to ignore any plea. It seems the more complains direr the situation gets. Perhaps it’s the governments’ way of reminding that they are not prepared to except any criticism of their head handed tactics.     

Christian prisoners who dare to air their grievances to the concerned authorities or for that matter human rights organizations or NGO’s face severe punishment from wardens who simply cannot tolerate whistle blowers. Just who do these prisoners turn to, to redress their grievances? Knowing the docile characteristics of Christians, wardens deliberately inflict more inhumane punishment on Christians simply to satisfy their ego as well as earn promotion for a job well done.

The Pakistan government and Pakistani electronic and print media is quick to point out the harsh treatment to prisoners in far away places like Abu Gharib or Guantanamo but prefer to close both eyes at the atrocities that occur in prisons within their own domain. The government fails to take into account that prisoners serving time in Abu Gharib or Guantanamo are war criminals or terrorists who have committed crimes against humanity and are meted out exemplary punishment, but the Christian prisoners here in Pakistan are neither terrorist nor war criminals and have never committed crimes against humanity in the name of religion or for that matter any other warped ideology. Christian prisoners are largely in prisons for minor crimes. Moreover these Christian prisoners are Pakistani citizens and deserve equal treatment as enshrined in the Constitution.

Access to prisoners to conduct proper investigation into their allegations is rare to say the least. The prison authorities will prevent outsiders from mingling with prisoners, least their deceptive and atrocious behavior will surface. Peace Worldwide want an immediate reinstatement of religious worship and regular prayer for Christians. Moreover all janitorial duties must be equally shared by all prisoners irrespective of their religious background. After all Muslim prisoners (who are in larger numbers in Adiala prison) are equally responsible for creating an unhygienic environment, so they are just as responsible for the clean up process.

Also, an access to hospital should be given to all those Christian prisoners who have suffered injuries due to the barbaric acts of prison authorities. We would also like to see all Christian prisoners provided proper healthcare facilities and are not subjected to further physical torture. An independent body should be created to oversee any human rights violations that occur in prisons all over Pakistan. Prison Wardens and other officials must either be suspended or removed from service when they are found guilty of human rights violations. These same officials must serve time in the very prison they committed these violations. International organisations should be allowed to meet regularly with all prisoners especially Christian prisoners, to better understand first-hand the situation that currently exists in Adiala Prison.  Though it is difficult for them to let these organisations visit and point out the human rights violation in the prison but if somehow any international organisation visits, they make them visit the dummy places which are free of violation and any inhumane activity and give them EVERYTHING IS OKAY report.

Enough is enough. Christians are fed up with the discriminatory, despicable and unwarranted behavior of the Pakistani government, the law enforcement agencies as well as the Muslim masses of Pakistan. Up until now Christians have been quiet on all fronts preferring to maintain the status quo but such inaction has further deteriorated the basic rights of all Christians in Pakistan.

Pakistan now enjoys a front seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council. Exposing their dirty laundry on the international forum will certainly infuriate their politicians and will only further confirm Pakistan status as a nation of ‘Hypocrites’. We warn government of Pakistan to correct them and follow the right path and do what is written in the jail manual and what they show to the international organisations.

Is Pakistan prepared to live with such demeaning expletive? Will ‘Enlightened Moderation’ be further strengthened or weakened by continuous human rights violations that occur regularly in Pakistan. The time has come for the Pakistani Government as well as the people of Pakistan to embrace ‘One Nation – One People’ culture which is far more difficult for both the government of Pakistan, ISI and other agencies to digest. Christians will not any longer tolerate erosion in their birth rights and demand equal status as Citizens of Pakistan. Peace Worldwide want religious freedom for Christians of Pakistan and the right to practice their religion without continuous interference from Islamists and Government of Pakistan. We also want appropriate punishment for Muslims for similar crimes that Christians unnecessarily are incarcerated for. The socio-economic picture should register an overall improvement benefiting all Pakistani citizens, not just Muslims.

We strongly urge the Government of Pakistan as well as International Human Rights organizations to help improve Pakistan’s poor human rights record. Religious extremism and racial vilification must be uprooted immediately. Senior government officials must refrain from personal prejudices while discharging their duties. Pakistan has very bad reputation. Christians would like to cooperate with the government and the people in improving the socio-economic situation, but more effort from government of Pakistan is required to achieve this objective.

Hector Aleem

Chairman

Peace Worldwide