Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the tireless efforts of UK politicians working towards improving the human rights conditions for Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), has expressed her profound joy and appreciation for the significant progress made by UK politicians in both the House of Lords and the House of Commons regarding the issue of persecution of Christians in Pakistan. These developments are a beacon of hope for marginalized religious minorities who continue to endure abuse, violence, and even killings in Pakistan’s increasingly intolerant society.
One notable development arose from Lord Marlesford’s recent parliamentary question, which aimed to bring international attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians in Pakistan. His question was inspired by an article published by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), which called for the UK to grant asylum to Zafar Bhatti—Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy prisoner—and urged greater involvement from Western nations in securing his acquittal after 12 years of unjust imprisonment.
On 2nd October 2024, Lord Marlesford wrote an email to Juliet Chowdhry expressing his support and offering assistance. He stated:
“Dear Juliet Chowdhry,
I would have thought that Zafar Bhatti is exactly the sort of person who should qualify for asylum in the UK.
Would it help if I raised this with the Home Office minister in the Lords?
Best wishes,
Mark Marlesford”
Following this correspondence, Lord Marlesford also raised the issue in the House of Lords. On 22nd October 2024, he asked His Majesty’s Government:
“What representations have they made to the government of Pakistan with a view to preventing the persecution of Christians in that country?”
On 6th November, coincidently on Juliet’s birthday, Lord Collins of Highbury responded on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. In his response, he reaffirmed the UK’s condemnation of the persecution of religious minorities, including Christians, in Pakistan. Minister Falconer had met with Pakistan’s Human Rights Minister, Azam Tarar, on 4th September, where the importance of promoting religious tolerance was underscored. The Foreign Office representatives in Islamabad continue to raise concerns with Pakistani authorities about the mistreatment of minorities, including law enforcement officials, and are actively involved in supporting initiatives that promote the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. You can read the question and response on Hansard (here)
Juliet Chowdhry, deeply moved by the progress made, remarked, “I am filled with gratitude towards Lord Marlesford and all the UK politicians who are working relentlessly to bring attention to the plight of Pakistani Christians and other minorities. Their unwavering commitment is crucial in ensuring that Pakistan’s government is held accountable for the increasing levels of violence and persecution. The work being done in the UK Parliament is pivotal in applying the necessary international pressure to safeguard the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.”
Lord Marlesford’s support has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of persecuted minorities in Pakistan. In response to Juliet’s previous article regarding the case of Zafar Bhatti, Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy prisoner, Lord Marlesford had expressed his belief that Zafar Bhatti, a Christian who has endured years of unjust imprisonment, should qualify for asylum in the UK. He offered to raise the asylum issue with the Home Office Minister in the Lords, a gesture Juliet greatly appreciated.
Juliet responded to Lord Marlesford’s generous offer with heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing that securing asylum for Zafar Bhatti before his potential release would provide critical protection and prevent delays similar to those experienced in cases like Asia Bibi’s. She underscored the importance of engaging international stakeholders, including the UK’s Special Envoy for International Religious Freedom, to advocate for Zafar’s safety and eventual release. Juliet’s proactive efforts in international advocacy have been instrumental in garnering support for Zafar and others facing similar persecution. Unfortunately, the role of the Special Envoy has not been revived following the government transition after May’s election.
During a recent debate on the persecution of minorities in Pakistan on 28th November 2024, Hamish Falconer, the Minister for International Development and Diplomacy, stated:
“Ministers are considering the role of a Special Envoy, and we should be in a position to update the House soon. I pay tribute to the previous envoys, but with or without an envoy, the Government remains focused on these issues, both in Pakistan and elsewhere.”
Juliet expressed hope that this development would bring a much-needed voice and clear direction to matters of international religious freedom. She urged:
“I hope people will pray for the reintroduction of this essential role within our government. Please call on your MPs to push for the Special Envoy position—an outcome of the Bishop of Truro’s report—to become a well-established advocate for such critical issues.”
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) played an active role in the research conducted for the Bishop of Truro’s report, contributing two reports, a detailed account of religious persecution in Pakistan and participating in evidence-hearing interviews to provide insights. This foundational work underscores BACA’s commitment to highlighting and addressing the plight of persecuted minorities.
This collaboration between UK politicians and organizations like BACA is crucial in pushing for systemic change in Pakistan, where religious minorities have increasingly become targets of violence, discrimination, and blasphemy accusations.
The Urgent Need for Continued Advocacy
Despite the UK government’s efforts to hold Pakistan accountable, the persecution of Christians and other minorities continues unabated. Human rights violations such as forced conversions, blasphemy charges, and mob violence against minorities remain rampant, with little to no legal recourse for the victims. In addition, religious intolerance in Pakistan has been further fueled by extremist elements, leaving minorities vulnerable to violence and abuse.
BACA has long advocated for greater international intervention to protect those facing persecution in Pakistan. Juliet emphasized, “It is vital that we continue to apply pressure on the Pakistani government to protect its most vulnerable communities. Without sustained global efforts, religious minorities will continue to face an environment of increasing violence and oppression.”
The role of international leaders and policymakers remains critical in amplifying these efforts. As Juliet Chowdhry said, “We must not turn a blind eye to the injustice that continues to unfold. The international community must continue to act to ensure that religious freedoms are respected, and that minorities in Pakistan are granted the protection and security they deserve.”
A Call for Global Action
BACA urges everyone concerned with human rights and religious freedom to support the cause of persecuted minorities in Pakistan. Juliet is calling for continued engagement from the international community, especially the UK government and its politicians, to ensure that the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities is addressed at every level.
“We stand in solidarity with the persecuted Christians and other minorities in Pakistan, and with the brave individuals, like Zafar Bhatti and Nawab Bibi, who are enduring unimaginable suffering for their faith,” Juliet concluded. “Together, we can make a difference by urging the UK government to continue its vital work in securing justice and advocating for the protection of Pakistan’s religious minorities.”
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