It is unfortunate that Christians are considered third-rated citizens in Pakistan. After Islam and Hinduism, Christianity is the third largest religion in the country. As a journalist, I have often faced criticism for writing about the atrocities committed against Christians. I don’t intend to create any conflict but aim to cover the blatant discrimination facing Christians.
I also think that we should highlight our shortcomings so we can rectify our mistakes. Christian religious leaders may dispute but official figures shows that Christians comprises 1.27% of Pakistan’s population. In many countries, the distribution of resources is made on the basis of accurate population figures. This pressing issue along with other excesses still needs attention.
There is no doubt that the development of any society depends on education. I am grateful that Christian-run institutions are leading in providing excellent education facilities. But we should take a moment and think if Christians manage to study in these institutes. They have just become commercial centres where only money matters and there is no morality or respect, no matter whom you are.
I understand there are only a handful of Christians in urban areas institutes need to be run but we need to set out priorities right.
We use to hear tales when Fathers used to educate Christian children and discipline them. Today religion is also a victim of commercialism. It has become a huge gamble for an ordinary Christian to get admission in a Christian-managed educational institute. Whom should we complain when our own institutions do not treat us equally?
I belong to a devout Catholic family. There was a time when Fathers used to visit our houses for worship. Today, even if you dedicate your whole life in the service of the Church, Fathers will not even talk straight to you, let alone visiting your house. They will only bless those homes where they have some personal gain. Their attitude makes you think a thousand times before asking for help. Those who muster courage and ask questions never find solace. This is why many Christians have diverted to other sects.
Speaking of other sects, there are not as many Christians in the streets as there are churches. This is one of the reasons for decline in Catholicism as every tenth person has become a pastor. It is also interesting to note that every second priest is either a doctor or bishop as if we are the most advanced nation. These are self-centered religious profiteers who have caused immense harm and their self-styled titles have divided us further.
The issue of forced conversion in Christians is one of the most pressing issues. I have written extensively on forced conversions and on Christian phobia in Pakistan. This is a serious issue but is nothing new as even Muslims face this problem in India. In most cases, many Christian girls voluntarily marry young men of other religions or elope with them. This is painful but the truth.
The standard of education among Christians is abysmally low. Many youngsters are seen loitering or squabbling on the streets or involved in drugs. It is our own weaknesses that other communities ridicule us and call us third-rate citizens. According to our religious teachings, there was no competition between David and Goliath. God could have made David win but he made him struggle to achieve victory. Yet we still consider it God’s will and forget about our miseries.
Thousands of Christian girls cannot find a decent relationship and prefer to leave home and find a partner from other religions. If we do not pay attention to education, this problem will never be solved. If we want to get out of the myriad of problems, then we must focus on education. God helps those who help themselves.
