Pakistani Christians face relentless inequality and abuse: Youhanabad church reverend
Christ Church Reverend Irshad Ashknaz says Christians in Pakistan have become an easy target of hate and inequality
Christ Church Reverend Irshad Ashknaz. SCREENGRAB
The wounds of the horrific suicide blasts in two churches of Youhanabad are still fresh. Christ Church Reverend Irshad Ashknaz says Christians in Pakistan are a constant target of hate and inequality.
“We deal with discrimination on a daily basis,” Ashknaz said.
Ashknaz said that Christians in Pakistan are discriminated on the basis of their religion and hence are denied jobs all over the country.
Related: Toned down - No festivity in Youhanabad bazaars
“Hate is spread against us. When people are faced with relentless inequality and abuse, they finally let their emotions go. That is probably what took over the mob on the day of the attacks,” he said.
Meerab, the 15-year-old girl whose father bravely gave his life while attempting to stop the suicide bomber to enter into the church said that she was extremely proud of him.
“It’s really strange to be at church without him,” she said.
Related: Due process - Relatives of Youhanabad protesters held to ‘trace lynch mob’
“I’m proud of him because he saved a lot of lives, but I miss him every day,” she added.
A 21-year-old Christian girl, Sataish Samuel from the Christian community in Lahore said that she loves Pakistan but is unsure about her future here.
“I love my country, and I want to be a part of its prosperity, but I don’t think that will be possible,” Sataish said.
The video of the interviews originally appeared on BBC News.
“We deal with discrimination on a daily basis,” Ashknaz said.
Christ Church in Youhanabad. SCREENGRAB
Ashknaz said that Christians in Pakistan are discriminated on the basis of their religion and hence are denied jobs all over the country.
Related: Toned down - No festivity in Youhanabad bazaars
“Hate is spread against us. When people are faced with relentless inequality and abuse, they finally let their emotions go. That is probably what took over the mob on the day of the attacks,” he said.
Meerab, the 15-year-old girl whose father bravely gave his life while attempting to stop the suicide bomber to enter into the church said that she was extremely proud of him.
15-year-old Meerab Afzal. SCREENGRAB
“It’s really strange to be at church without him,” she said.
Related: Due process - Relatives of Youhanabad protesters held to ‘trace lynch mob’
“I’m proud of him because he saved a lot of lives, but I miss him every day,” she added.
A 21-year-old Christian girl, Sataish Samuel from the Christian community in Lahore said that she loves Pakistan but is unsure about her future here.
21-year-old Sataish Samuel. SCREENGRAB
“I love my country, and I want to be a part of its prosperity, but I don’t think that will be possible,” Sataish said.
The video of the interviews originally appeared on BBC News.