22 Sept. 2018, Pakistan Christian Press Club (PCPC) UK, representatives joined members of various other Pakistani background Christian organizations to take part in a marathon event held in Zurich, Switzerland. This was a general event in which hundreds of people participated from all over Europe. The participation of Pakistani Christian organizations was facilitated by Ms Noreen Barkat, a social activist for justice for the minorities in Pakistan. PCPC was represented by Samson Javed, (President PCPC), and Akhtar Injeeli, Wilson Chaudhary (UK) Chairman, British Pakistan Christian Association (BPCA)_, Sarwar Bhatti (Italy) represented All Pakistan Christian League, advocate J.J. George (France) represented Pakistan Orient Christian Organization, Gulbaz Fazal (Holland), Overseas Pakistani Christian Alliance, Farooq Anwar (France), Urdu Church Paris, Tasleem John, European United Action Committee and many other members from Germany, Holland and Switzerland also joined the event. The group gathered at the Ulster station, made speeches and created awareness about the situation of Christians in Pakistan. While Ms Noreen Barkat, and Mr Wilson Chaudhry joined the marathon race, rest of the members of the group stayed behind and distributed leaflets to the crowds that had gathered to witness the race. The race was named "Run for Freedom". and the runners from this group, Ms Noreen Barkat and Mr Wilson Chaudhary both wore distinctive attire to set them apart from all the other runners.
The supporting members of the group used this time to share information about Pakistan and the cause for which they had gathered there. Some people listened very intently to the participants of the event, and showed great interest in Pakistan, and her minorities, Christians and others. The purpose of these interactions was to advance people's understanding about Pakistan in general and to raise awareness about Pakistan's minorities in particular. Mr JJ George stated that it is of paramount importance that the misuse of the so called Pakistan's blasphemy laws must be stopped as this is putting a large section of the population under undue stress.
At the end of the event all members present signed a petition which was to be presented to the office of the United Nations in the Switzerland. The petition was based on the four principles which the signatories want to be upheld in Pakistan at all times. These principles are the Quid-e Azam's promise of fair treatment for all minorities, the constitutional guarantees of equality and justice, Pakistan's status as a signatory of the UNO's International charter of Human Rights and the inherent principles of justice and fairness found in Islam, the state religion of Pakistan.
Back at the station, the group offered prayers for justice in the case of Asia Bibi, and also for the justice system in Pakistan and all those who serve in it. The group also prayed for peace and justice to prevail in Pakistan, and also for the prosperity of the nation. In answer to a question Mr Samson Javed stated that every member of the group was a patriotic Pakistani, and because we want Pakistan to be a happy and prosperous country we believe that every citizen of the nation should be treated equally and fairly as provided for in the constitution of Pakistan.
This event was reported in AUSAF Daily on 02 October 2018. To read click below:
http://epaper.dailyausaf.com/page?station_id=5&page_id=62904&date=2018-1...
© Akhtar Injeeli 29/09/2018
