Christmas in Pakistan: Christian’s demonstrations postponed for fear of clashes
Lahore (AsiaNews) - Respect for the Christmas and Islamic New Year has urged Pakistan’s Catholics and Protestants to ask that protest marches against the blasphemy law due to be held on December.24 and 31 be postponed. This amid fears of clashes and violence by Islamic parties, which has organized a general strike to oppose any amendments to the law on the same day. Meanwhile the Catholics in the parishes of the country are preparing to celebrate Christmas. This, despite the constant threats and the risk of attacks against Christians caused by the case of Asia Bibi.
The proposal to postpone the events emerged during the forum titled "Christmas and the state of Christians in Pakistan" recently held in Lahore, by Catholic bishops and representatives of the Protestant community.
Samuel Azariah, president of the Protestant Church of Pakistan said that the Christian community has always expressed its respect for the month of Muharram, the first month of Islamic calendar and this Christmas celebrations started on December 16. Azaria expressed concern over planned rallies for December 24 and 31, highlighting that the risk of clashes should be avoided at a time of joy for all.
The possible postponement of events, however, does not stop the calls and proposals for an amendment of the blasphemy law. The bishops and pastors have drawn up a revision of the law providing for the condemnation of the accusers , should the accused be proven innocent. Bishop Andrew Francis of Multan and head of the Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism affirmed that "this Christmas comes at a time when the debate over the anti-blasphemy law is causing serious problems for the Christian community”. The prelate stressed that in these years the 180 Christians accused of blasphemy have been found not guilty by the courts.
Meanwhile, despite the increase in threats launched by Islamic extremists, Christians in Pakistan are preparing to celebrate Christmas. With its large Muslim majority, the birth of Jesus is not officially celebrated in Pakistan. However, December 25 coincides with the birthday of MA Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Christmas celebrations are tolerated and in many towns and villages the night before the Christians organize processions in the streets decorated for the feast.
Fr. Morris Jalal pastor of the church of St. Francis Xavier, tells AsiaNews: "This illustrates the challenges to which the Christian community is called the. We deal with many cases of persecution and intolerance in our parish because of the blasphemy law. "
Fr Jalal’s parish of serves approximately 7 thousand families, but this Christmas people will fill the Church like every year, regardless of the threats and fear of attacks. According to the priest between 10 thousand and 15 thousand people are expected. "Our church - he says – can hold up to 1,500 people and we organize the celebrations in the outdoor sports arena." He stresses that these numbers increases the risk of attacks, but security will be handled discreetly by a few people, who will prevent people to see armed men during their midnight mass. "We are convinced - he continues - that the police can not protect us and there will be only five or six policemen on guard, we should be the ones to provide security arming our men. But I can not imagine a Christmas mass surrounded by armed youths. "
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