A Muslim rally with minority support

Non-Muslims talk about how they believe Dr Qadri will ensure better living conditions for them.

ISLAMABAD:

Many people may see Dr Tahirul Qadri as a religious leader, with a large number of Muslim followers.

But what may throw them off is participation of various non-Muslims in the rally.

These people have come from all over the country and say they believe Dr Qadri is the answer to their problems — that he can ensure the freedom for them to practice their religions freely.

“Though he is a religious scholar, he will be far better than these feudal lords who have monopolised Pakistan, its politics and resources,” said Junaid Masih.

The small but vociferous crowd gathered around the religious scholar’s car, convinced that he will be the saviour of their rights. They seemed determined to stand by him.

Holding a stick in one hand and the national flag in the other, Junaid said he and his family have come out to get rid of the government, which has failed to deliver.



Another Christian, 23-year-old Kamran, sitting with friends outside a bank building in Blue Area, shared the same views, believing their rally will bring positive change in the country. “The participants should not lose heart; their efforts, sacrifice will bear fruits one day,” he added.

Akbar Masih, a teacher, had come from Mardan along with 50 other non-Muslims.

He said they have been forced to live in miserable conditions since 1947. “We are not even treated as citizens of the country. We feel insecure as we cannot practice our religion openly due to the fear of being attacked,” he said. He recalled a recently incident in Mardan where a church was attacked. The police have yet to make an arrest. “Burning churches, forced conversions and embroiling Christians in blasphemy cases have become a norm,” he said.

None of the previous governments, he said, have done much to protect their rights. “Our literacy rate is low; we are forced to work as sweepers and are treated as third-grade citizens,” he said.

Qadri, however, will do better, Akbar believes. “I believe that Dr Qadri will take care of our rights. His policies will stem the rising tide of religious extremism in the country.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2013.