Christian families evicted
Karachi (AsiaNews) - "About 100 Christian families live under the threat of an eviction order," Mgr Evarist Pinto, archbishop of Karachi, told AsiaNews. "They live in the Bilawal Joki Goth and Sofara Goth areas, near Karachi. Most of the land is owned by the army and some private individuals, but some lots were illegally sold to Christians and Muslims. Now the army intends to move into the area of St Thomas Parish Church despite the fact that many people have been long time residents and have a stay order from the court allowing them to remain".
"The eviction order issued by the army is typical of our country," the prelate said. "It is always at the expenses of the poorest."
"In one Karachi neighbourhood where we have a church and a school, the army issued eviction notices to 90 Christian families."
Mgr Anthony Lobo, bishop of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, spoke to AsiaNews about evictions as well.
When the Mangla dam was built in Kashmir, some residents left for England; others were settled in Joharabad, 300 kilometres from Islamabad.
"Joharabad is part of our diocese," Bishop Lobo said. "It is a desert area whose soil was made fertile thanks to the patient toil of Christian and Muslim farmers."
"These farmers were victims of two injustices. First, the first wave of Kashmiri evacuees claimed ownership to the land. Second, those who had settled in England came home with money earned in Europe demanding land to build their homes even if that meant evicting poor Christians and Muslims who had turned the soil into fertile land".
"Sadly, the situation was made worse by the recent earthquake even though the two tragedies are not connected," he said.
"Evictions are a deeply rooted issue. Those in my diocese who have suffered cannot afford a lawyer or pay court expenses. But this is an important battle and we shall fight it for them. We shall have all the necessary documents and evidence and go before the High Court," he explained.
"It might be true they don't own the land, but it is they who turned the desert into fertile land. Consequently, the land should be given to them and not to the first comer," he stressed.
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