Out on the streets: Christians hold protest, demand YMCA back

They raised their voice against encroachments on the association’s premises

KARACHI: Hundreds of Christians gathered outside Karachi Press Club on Friday demanding the removal of encroachments on the premises of Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).

According to the protesters, the nazir of the Sindh High Court (SHC) recently ordered the suspension of prayer services inside the chapel of YMCA. They added that this was a violation of articles nine and 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

According to Saleem Michael of the Christian Unity Forum, the SHC had deputed the nazir as an administrator of YMCA in 2009 to manage the affairs of the association and get the premises freed from the shackles of the land mafia. "To this day, no such action has been taken by the nazir," he told The Express Tribune. "In fact, the catering companies have grown stronger. We will give the authorities a deadline to vacate YMCA after which, whatever the consequences may be, we will not be responsible for any damage."

A large number of men and women shouted slogans, such as 'We will take back our YMCA' and 'YMCA is ours'. Minority Affairs Sindh president Chaudry Patras Sardar expressed regret over the fact that they have to rent out the place that belongs to the community. "Even when we agree to pay the rent, they make it difficult for us to conduct our functions here," he said.

Explaining the significance of YMCA, Human Rights Mission Worldwide president Joefrazer John said that it's an educational and social welfare institution for the Christian youth that is present in 125 countries around the world.

"It used to be a place to hang out for young people where numerous sports activities were held until a few years ago," he explained. "Even today, I have sports instructors who are willing to teach in there."

He further said that the people were told by the guards outside that the nazir has instructed them not to let anyone enter for worship. "The nazir, a non-Christian entity, cannot understand the significance of YMCA for the Christian community," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2015.