See WWeb TV clip (Click here) See Geo News clip (click here)
This Saturday 22nd November, Downing Street, London saw people of many diversities gather at a peace concert organised by the British Pakistani Christian Association to honour the lives of Shazad and Shama Bibi, and their unborn child, who were burnt alive in Pakistan on 4th November 2014. The attack was instigated after accusations of desecrating the Koran were made against them. The peace event also involved a candlelight vigil and 1 minutes silence for the deceased.
In Pakistan the Blasphemy Law continues to be used to settle disagreements, and condemns innocent people to mob violence, torture and incarceration.
Dr Martin Stern, a Nazi Holocaust survivor, who studied medicine in Peshawar, Pakistan, spoke of the continued persecution in the Middle East, and how Christians fleeing persecution have forever changed the regions demographic.
Muslim, Rubab Mehdi Rizvi, a Barrister, and former spokesperson for Pakistani Ministry of Human Rights, spoke out to strongly condemn the misuse of the Blasphemy Law of Pakistan.
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the B.P.C.A. and organisor of Saturdays protest said “The brutal attack, on Shazad and Shama underlines the growing intolerance in Pakistan. Christians and other minorities face vilification, discrimination and persecution for their faith. Their pariah status is set to get worse unless Pakistan’s Government wholeheartedly champions reform of their laws, constitution and education system.
Hal St John of Catholic band Ooberfuse, said “As a white Christian I hope our music will make other British Christians recognise the need to stand up for our persecuted brethren. We are one body and if part of our body is suffering, we are all suffering.”
Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, currently sentenced to death for blasphemy was also remembered, and prayers were said for her and her family.
Candles were lit and a moving dance re-enactment of the attack was performed by British National Dancer Latasha Sinclair who said “I can’t imagine how terrifying and painful this brutal attack on an innocent couple was. I hope my dance creates more empathy for Christians suffering for their faith.”
Tina Dass, an Indian Christian Actress and Radio presenter for Voice Asia, said; “People of all diversities need to come together and condemn this brutality, that represents no faith, hurts all humanity.”
Faisal Gill, a Pakistani Christian rapper, performed a stirring rap, ‘As I walk through the shadow of death’. He said “You can label us, abuse us, torture us or kill us, but you cannot shake our faith.”
Si Genaro who appeared on BBC’s ‘The Voice’ performed a peace song at the event, he said;
“I do not hold to any particular faith and am agnostic, however I do believe in the right for anyone to practice their beliefs or no belief, without restriction.”
Hear Si Genaro on 786 TV (click here)
Ranbir Singh of the Hindu Human Rights Group Said; “reports state that the attack on the couple was over a simmering argument with the accountant and Shahzad after his wife was raped. The combined total of Hindu and Christian girls abducted raped and forced into Islamic marriages is now in excess of 1500 per year. Minority girls and women even those in marriages are no longer safe in Pakistan.”
Toward the end of the protest, Wilson Chowdhry, B.P.C.A. chairman, handed a 5,700 petition in to Downing Street, demanding the Aid given to Pakistan each year is used as leverage to improve the lot of minorities.
People of good conscience are urged to continue signing the on-line petition, which will be submitted to the Pakistani Government, and again to 10 Downing Street on New Years Day 2015:
(click here)
The BPCA has initiated a permanent benevolent fund for the family of Shahzad and Shama. The BPCA desires to free them from their bonded labour status and will work towards providing a new safer environment for this family, that has suffered the loss of loved ones in a brutal and savage manner. This family have been left with serious emotional and psychological scarring and are receiving counselling. The orphaned children are being cared for by the family of Shahzad and your donations will provide ongoing care. If you would like to contribute to our appeal our bank details are as follows:
Sort Code: 20-67-90 Account number: 63468976 Bank: Barclays
Ref: Love for Shahzad and Shama (regular standing orders must use this reference).
Alternatively if you would like to send an immediate donation please use the pay-pal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog, or simply send a cheque made payable to the BPCA to our address; 57 Green Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1XG.
With your support we hope to change the lives of millions of Christians in Pakistan.
