Programme Statement
An ecumenical delegation on a
pastoral visit to Pakistan
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Pakistan is passing through a critical period of its history.
Repeated military interventions have stunted the growth of democracy and democratic
institutions. Mainstream political parties have suffered the most at the hands of the
military as compared to the Islamic parties who have received support and encouragement as
quid pro quo. In this climate of political uncertainty legislations have been made through
official Decrees and Ordinances. Repeated tinkering and manipulation of the Constitution
by the military authorities has destroyed its sanctity. While the subordinate judiciary is
riddled with corruption and inefficiency the Superior Courts too have lost much of its
reputation of integrity and independence. Due to lack of adequate oversight the law
enforcement apparatus is in shambles. Criminal activities are rampant, not a day goes by
without someone being shot or killed, but no one is arrested or brought before the Courts
of Law. As a result the culture of impunity has become all pervasive in Pakistan society.
Feudalism, poverty, lack of education and religious intolerance have led to a culture of
exploitation and oppression. The most effected are those from the rural areas where there
is hardly any rule of law.
The problems facing Pakistan, because of half a century of misrule, are not only immense
but also complex. There are no easy answers because democratic structures based on a
system of checks and balances no longer exist. Even if elections are held they are in form
and not in substance in order to sustain a participatory democratic process. The economy
lies in shambles despite Pakistan’s acceptance of the IMF prescription; foreign
investment has virtually dried because of the war in Afghanistan and the uncertain
conditions in the country.
B. The discriminatory practices and policies against
the religious minorities were intensified during General Zia’s military rule. It was
during this period that Blasphemy laws, laws of Evidence and Shariat Act were introduced.
These laws adversely affected the religious minorities and women. General Zia also set a
parallel judicial system in the form of the Federal Shariat Court that resulted in
contradiction and confusion in the legal system. Most of the Islamic measures he
introduced focussed on forms and rituals rather than substance. His encouragement of
Islamic militancy and use of Islamic symbols and idioms for political purpose resulted in
the creation of an environment of religious intolerance. Since these measures were
introduced none of the successive governments had the courage to reverse this drift
towards religious bigotry and intolerance. General Musharraf did attempt to amend the
procedural part of Blasphemy Laws to prevent its abuse, but had to retreat under threat
from the Islamic parties.
If the government of Pakistan wants to build a modern progressive society that is just and
fair to all its citizens, it must take steps to review and where necessary amend and/or
repeal provisions of the Constitution and Statutory Laws that discriminate against
religious minorities and are not only a source of victimisation and harassment but also
sow seeds of communal disharmony. As a long term measure the government has to embark on a
gigantic educational programme in order to create and nurture a culture of tolerance and
peace. The vast majority of Muslims in the country who do not approve of the present trend
towards hatred, violence and killings must speak out boldly and condemn the wanton
sectarian killings that are giving the country a bad image.
C. The US led war in Afghanistan and President Musharraf’s joining
the International Coalition against terrorism has earned resentment and anger against the
West, which is identified with Christianity. President Bush’s use of biblical
terminology - crusades, fight between good and evil and the use of the term ‘axis of
evil’, have further aggravated the situation. Muslims in Pakistan are of the view
that the Christian West remains oblivious to the sufferings of their compatriots in
Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq. They feel that injustice is being done to the
‘Ummah’ and this calls for retaliation. The US has been a long-standing ally of
Pakistan since the country gained independence in August 1947. Pakistan has benefited much
from the military and economic aid provided by the US government, yet, today there is a
general air of hostility towards the US amongst the common people on the streets.
The targeting of Arabs and Muslims in the US through racial profiling, finger printing,
detention without due process, delay and denial of visas for security reasons by US
authorities all combine to sustain this growing anger and hatred. The coming into power of
the Islamic parties in Frontier and Baluchistan the two provinces bordering Afghanistan
will further intensify this religious divide. The main reason for the Islamic parties
gaining a landslide victory in the two provinces, for the first time in the country’s
history is the clear anti American position they took during the general elections. The
victory of the Islamic parties is largely due to their blunt and severe criticism of
President Musharraf’s pro-American policies. While these parties may moderate their
position towards the US because of pragmatism they will continue to take hard-line in
respect of domestic policies. This means rough times ahead for the religious minorities.
D. The military soon after the country’s independence has
continued to meddle in civil and political affairs. Over the years it has not only tried
to increase its influence in this area but has also endeavoured to institutionalise its
role in civil and political affairs. During the last over fifty years no government has
been able to function without the shadow of the military hovering over its head. The
Inter-Services Intelligence of the army has become so powerful that it can make or break
any government. It remains unaccountable despite the issue being raised before the
Superior Court to bring its activities under check. The military is also heavily involved
in industry and commerce. It is presently one of the largest employer in the country.
Serving and retired military personnel have infiltrated every sector of civil society -
diplomatic corps, civil services, education, industry, commercial business, etc. Pakistan
has one of the largest standing armies in the region. The major portion of the
country’s annual budget is taken up by defence and debt servicing. This is at the
cost of social sectors - education, communication and housing.
The policy of confrontation with India, with which Pakistan has fought three major wars
has been a great burden on the economy. As long as the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved,
this situation is not likely to change. With the emergence of Islamic parties as a major
player in the country’s politics Pakistan army will get a greater boost in its hard
line policy vis-à-vis Kashmir and India.
E. The delegation was pained to hear of the differences and disputes in
the Karachi Diocese of the Church of Pakistan. Though it was not a part of its mandate to
address this issue the delegation is of the view that a critical time like this the Church
can ill afford to be divided. We pray that the leadership can come together in a spirit of
healing and reconciliation to face a common challenge that lies ahead. The delegation
calls on the global church to be in solidarity with the Church in Pakistan and to remember
it in prayers.
Recommendations
The WCC/CCA should continue to monitor the situation of Christians in
Pakistan, and to accompany and support the churches there during this period of trial and
tribulation through visits, prayers, solidarity support and through sharing and exchange
of information.
The WCC should provide whatever assistance is necessary to the
recommendation put forward by the churches in Pakistan to form a national ecumenical
organisation that could develop a common strategy and speak with one voice on national
issues that affect the Christians in Pakistan
The government of Pakistan should consider setting up a permanent
Independent Minorities Commission. The Commission should inter-alia study the situation of
religious minorities and make necessary recommendations to the government. In addition the
Commission should be mandated to hear complaints of discrimination against religious
minorities and recommend actions to the government.
The NCC-Pakistan should be encouraged to develop its capacity and
strategize to promote inter-religious cooperation and collaboration between Christians and
Muslims in Pakistan for building a culture of peace and tolerance. This should include
sharing information about the position of churches in the West regarding war against
Islamic countries as well as the advocacy efforts to promote and protect the rights of
Muslim citizens in their countries.
The WCC and CCA should encourage churches in Pakistan and India to
promote people to people contact for peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two
neighbouring countries.
The WCC should make a special appeal to partner churches and related
agencies in Europe and North America to increase and coordinate their assistance to
Pakistan with a view to:
* restore the functioning of Idara-e-Amn-o-Insaf so that
amongst others it could continue to provide legal aid and assistance to victims of human
rights violations;
* contribute to the Fund set up by the Crisis Committee for
the families of the Idara staff killed in the terrorist attacks;
* encourage and support the efforts of the churches in their
literacy programmes.
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