Minorities, Particularly Christians, are Deliberately Sidelined in Pakistan

Emerging political leader become the most visible guest in the town during the advent carnival

Albert David - Chairman Pakistan United Christian Movement

(ISLAMABAD, Pakistan) - With the advent of December, Christians all over the world kicked off their preparations to celebrate the most important festival of the year ‘Christmas’ across the world including Pakistan.

With every passing day till the eve of Christmas, Pakistani Christians prepare to celebrate the festivity with zeal and enthusiasm, feeling the echo of church bells for the mid night services on Christmas eve that announce the birth of Jesus.

While preparing for Christmas, the Christians living in Pakistan renew their spirit of celebrating Christmas which continues throughout the month. The programs and celebrations leading to Christmas include Christmas dinners, carol singing and other get together that have an element of sharing the joys of Christmas with the less fortunate.

Albert David - Chairman of the Pakistan United Christian Movement (PUCM) launched his new political party in October this year has created awareness in the town during the Christmas celebrations in the twin city. His presence bloom the events this year in most of the annual Christmas programs in the town. Talking to the Christians, he raises awareness among the Pakistani Christians to demand election not selection everywhere in the country.

Mr. Albert was invited to 25 programs organized by different churches, social organizations and community groups. PUCM chairman availed this wonderful opportunity not only to share the message of Christmas but also talked about the importance of Christian community to being vibrant and visible in the National political scene.

During his speeches, the PUCM Chairman focused on the true message and spirit of Christmas; unconditional love, peace, hope and most importantly the sharing of joy with those who are less fortunate. He also stresses upon Christians to actively participate in National politics to ensure their increased visibility and importance. He consistently emphasized on the need of unity under a political platform as that would become the rationale for other majority parties to acknowledge the importance of non-Muslim Pakistanis.

Talking about the constitutional amendments, Mr. Albert said that during the past 65 years of the National assembly, the 207 seats for parliamentarians were increased to 335, while the women’s seats were raised from 15 to 60.

However, the 10 seats reserved for minorities that were approved 30 years back, increased to 14, which is not proportional to its population increased. Even these seats were filled by selection, rather election, he added.

PUCM wants to raise awareness with not only Pakistan’s government, but also the entire world, to help people understand that Pakistani Christians are being deprived of their deserving rights, even though they exist in the foundation of the Pakistan. The time has come that all Pakistani Christians have to stand for their rights and we will not compromise on selection of the candidates liking of the majority parties. PUCM firmly believe that being Pakistanis we are equal citizen and will have equal rights.

About Shamim Masih

"I am Christian rights activist and freelancer Pakistani journalist specializing in writing about Christians rights for the different papers in the world. My aim is to create a peaceful environment in the society and to help eliminate Christian persecution through my writing as I bring the plight of these brave people under the spotlight of the whole world."

Shamim Masih was born in Sheikhopura's village and raised in Gujranwala, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province. He earned his Bachelors Degree from the University of the Punjab, Lahore majoring in English, Economics and Statistics; he also received a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

As a freelance writer and author, Shamim has written for different papers in the world; his expertise is in writing articles highlighting different social issues. He has served as freelance chief reporter and column writer in “Minority Times” in Islamabad, and a number of Shamim's articles have been published in local papers as well.

You can write to Shamim at this address: shamimpakistan@gmail.com