URGENT CALL FROM PAKISTAN CHURCHES FOR PEACE, NOT WAR.

The General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Pakistan, Mr Victor Azariah has called on the world community to seek peace at this time and to stop the war in Afghanistan. "Peace is the most important thing," he said in Hong Kong whilst attending a meeting today of Christian Conference of Asia. "War is not the answer to this political problem. Negotiation and respect for each other's rights is vital. Churches in Pakistan have supported the government of Pakistan in letter and spirit in the desire to eliminate terrorism, together with the international community. But they also feel that attacking and killing innocent people in Afghanistan is extremely unwise and should be immediately stopped. "

"Many people in Pakistan and the international community question Americans 'what is the crime of the people of Afghanistan, the vast majority of whom do not have the least idea about this sophisticated terrorism committed by someone in the US'", he said. "Whether bombing and other acts of war are deliberately directed to civilians, the reality is that civilians are being hit and made homeless through war, which is a one-sided act by the superpowers."

By way of background, Victor states that "Russia, during the Cold War, decided to take over Afghanistan, wanting a warm water port and military advantage. The Americans and Europeans did not like this and used the Afghans to fight Russia. Since the Afghans are staunch Muslims, they were made to believe that the non-believers should be pushed back from Afghanistan. For that reason they supported the Americans and were trained and armed by them, as well as by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Millions died during that war and more than 5 million were rendered shelterless. They took refuge mainly in Pakistan and Iran. Whilst the international community helped during the war, as soon as the military objective of defeating the Russians was accomplished, much of that help was withdrawn."

Victor reflects, "The Muslim world is very uneasy, because an attack on Afghanistan is regarded as an attack on Islam. Religious parties and Islamic fundamentalists in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria and even Thailand are protesting over the killing of innocent people", he said. "Of course it is not true that this is a war between Islam and Christianity, but the use by President Bush of the word "crusade," has been exploited by the Islamist groups."

The situation of Muslims in other countries is also being given close attention in Pakistan.  "We are very much aware of the situation of the Palestinians. People feel connected to the Palestinian issue. To see TV coverage of homes being bulldozed in Palestine and mothers crying really upsets people, who feel that Muslim people in that area are being so badly treated. There is an urgent need for a peaceful, political solution to that problem and implementation of existing United Nations resolutions. Similarly, the situation of Iraqi civilians is widely seen as callous disregard of the ordinary human needs of Muslim people." 

"There is much suspicion in Pakistan as to whether the US has other reasons than locating Bin Laden for the level of military assault on Afghanistan. Is it a place to test modern weapons, is there a desire to dominate and gain access to the rich mineral and oil reserves of Central Asia?"

Ironically, says Victor, "within Afghanistan the Taliban have gained in popularity amongst the people because of the military action by the Americans and their allies. It is premature to predict that any installed government could control the situation. Only time will tell. The history of the Afghan people is that they are very strong fighters, fiercely independent, used to wheeling and dealing, shifting tribal alliances and linkages with the outside world and to their own fairly harsh terrain."

Christians are doing all they can to assist the refugees. "We mobilising the Christian community to extend every assistance to refugees, including blankets. The main groups willing and able to assist the refugees are NGO's and churches. Only Pakistanis are able to get into the refugee camps. We call on the Christian community internationally to assist with the relief effort, but it is even more important to advocate peace and an end to this war. That should be our first and main priority, so that people can go home".

Pakistani Christians are also actively engaged with inter-faith discussions with Muslims. Says Victor: "This is vital for social harmony and understanding.  The Christian community in Pakistan always feels a backlash when something goes against Pakistan at the behest of the West. Sometimes Pakistani Christians are considered stooges of the West, which we are not. So we have met Muslim dignitaries and tried to assist them to understand the way we view things. We are Pakistani Christians. We love our country and are loyal citizens of our own country, no one else's."

"We wonder what will happen when military objectives are accomplished. Before September 11, US military equipment supplies were suspended, membership of the Commonwealth was suspended and there was great pressure for elections coming from the West. After September 11, suddenly increased aid was promised, special grants and the IMF visited. But once this offensive is over, Pakistan may be in the same position as before."

The Christian Conference of Asia, a fellowship of over 120 churches and member councils of churches throughout the region, urges Christians and all others of goodwill to actively work and pray for peace. Said Dr Ahn Jae Woong, General Secretary of Christian Conference of Asia,  " We need to move from being bystanders to realising that we make a difference and do whatever we can towards long-term peace, understanding and stability for all."

Hong Kong October 19, 2001.