Photo Credits: Esther Das
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association was one of 16 Pakistani Christians honoured for their commitment to uplifting
beleagured Pakistani Christians, at at a UK Parliament event last night. Below is a press release from the APPG for Pakistani Minorities:
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Pakistani Minorities, held a special Christmas celebration in UK Parliament on 19 December 2017. The UK’s Pakistani
Christian community was well represented with over 60 members of the diaspora attending.
The event was presided over by the AAPG Chair MP Jim Shannon and facilitated by the APPG Gen. Secretary Cllr. Morris Johns. The Rt. Rev Michael Nazir
Ali, Lord Alton, The Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord Ahmed ( The Chief Guest) and many other dignitaries graced the
event with their presence.
The meeting opened with a minute’s silent prayer for the martyrs of Quetta and concluded with a suggestion by Mr Morris John to post a Christmas Card
to Asia Bibi to render a message of solidarity, encouragement and Christian love.
At the end of the meeting a Christmas Cake was cut and the Christmas carols sung in English and Urdu.
The following people were awarded the certificates:
Dr. Peter David, who has opened the doors of FC College, to thousands of Christian students, who were previously unable to afford the fees for higher
studies.
Mr. Mike Wakely, from the Starfish Asia, for supporting education, of about 8,000 Pakistani children from low-income families, as well as providing
teacher training.
Mr. Wilson Chowdhry, who has worked tirelessly over the years, to raise awareness about the persecution of Pakistani Christians, and provides ongoing
practical solutions, through entrepreneurial training, Educational bursaries, Disaster relief and advocacy.
Cllr James Shera MBE,ex. Mayor of Rugby, Star of Pakistan and the Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Rugby.
Mr Edgar money a successful businessman and chairman of the Pakistan Christian Alliance.
Mr. Michael Massey for working tirelessly over the years to persuade members to participate in local politics.
Mr. John Bosco a leading media personality,and the presenter of the weekly ‘Gateway’ TV programme.
Mr. Asif Mall the Chairman of ‘Pakistan Minorities Rights Organisation’ and anchor of a TV show,for highlighting the socio-political & economic
issues faced by Christians in Pakistan, over many years.
Advocate Qamar Shams, the President of International Christian Council, for providing legal advice, aid and financial assistance to the innocent Christians,
involved in fabricated cases.
Bishop Yousaf Nadeem Bhinder is head of 200 strong pastoral team, with 60 churches under his supervision.He is former member of “Human Rights Commission
of Pakistan”.
Mr. Kaleem Dean is a distinguished Pakistani Christian journalist. During the past two years, he has written 100 published article on the religious
persecution in Pakistan.
Mr. Samson Javed is a leading Urdu journalist and the recipient of awards for: Best Writer, Best Journalist and Best Drama Writer.
Rev Noble Samuel has setup the first Pakistani Christian TV channel in the UK.
Mr. Qamar Rafique for organising the civic and church response from Bath, when St Paul’s Church in Peshawar was attacked by terrorists.
Professor Paul Anjum, for producing 19 detailed research based reports detailing hate materials in the Pakistani textbooks.
Mr. Noshab Khiljee is a Property Developer has trained many young Christian people to go into the property business.