06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 AM Breaking News
Christian martyrs of Essa Nagri rememberedChristian man sentenced to death after blasphemy allegation Body of Christian sanitation worker recovered after two weeks 17-year-old Christian domestic worker kidnapped from Lahore Mehar Town Two Christian teenagers charged with blasphemy and sent to jailSchoolgirl killed after police officer opens fire at girls’ school Christian teenage girl kidnaped at gunpoint from her homeTwo school employees are charged with blasphemy for desecrating the Holy QuranCSOs perturbed at faltering Population Census 12-year-old Christian boy killed after kidnapping Pakistani Christians condemn Muslim MNA’s anti-Bible remarks Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Dismissed Christian Sanitary WorkersExperts are asking for changes to the Minorities Commission billChristian parents still struggling for recovery of their underage age daughterGovernment of Pakistan. Urged to strengthen pro-women laws to counter gender-based violence to protect women's rightsGovt. urged to expedite the adoption of protective law and activate institutionsChristians protest against forced conversion of Raja MasihPakistani Court sends young Christian girl to shelter instead of giving custody to her parents Pakistani man accused of blasphemy lynched by mob and his body dragged in the street Senator Michael walks out of the senate to protest minister’s behaviour at interfaith harmony conferenceChristian girl attacked with acid after refusing conversion to Islam and marriage Pakistan’s Christians criticise religious ministry’s seminar'The Shame of Pakistan': Blasphemy Accusers Courageous Christian Woman Stands Up to ThemLawyer and family denied access to imprisoned Christian accused of blasphemyPolitical parties urged to make concrete pledges and honour themZardari takes notice of accusation of blasphemy against Christian female security officer Young Christian domestic servant gang raped The Christian rights group launched its report on the situation of minority women in Pakistan 200 Christian families left homeless in Pakistan after CDA bulldozes their houses Pakistan: Human rights groups condemn custodial torture12-year-old Christian girl kidnapped, drugged and forced to marry Muslim man Accept Islam or be killed Christian Assistant Commissioner brutally attacked by group of lawyersPakistan: Christian sanitary worker accused of blasphemyPakistan: Christian schoolgirl escapes from her kidnapper Christian man beaten and threatened with death if he does not convert to IslamChristian woman went underground after being threatened with death if she didn’t convert to IslamChristian parents concerned about missing daughter Christians regain possession of the adjoining property of the ChurchThree Pakistani Christians accused of blasphemy granted bail.Hindu man arrested in Pakistan over alleged blasphemyJAC defends the vilification of CSOs especially Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) Pakistani Court’s Outrageous Ruling says 12-Year-Old Christian Girl Must Stay Married to 40-year-old and already Married Muslim AbductorForeign minister proposes constitution of ‘Oversight Committee’ to resolve issues Pakistani’s minoritiesTerrorists attack Christians in Mustang Pakistan: Christians fled their homes when Muslim mob gathers to attack themKidnapped 12-year-old Christian girl, recovered and reunited with her family Christian man sentenced to death for blasphemyPakistani Prime Minister approves formation of a task force to look after the implementation of minority rightsChristian woman loses three month pregnancy during attempted rapeHigh court grants bail to a mentally ill man accused of blasphemyInfluential landlords want to seize the Christian cemeteryChristian father-of-five killed and another critically injured in Punjab, Pakistan Pakistan: Punjab Government bans adverts for Christian-only condition for sweepers’ jobs 14-year-old Christian girl kidnapped on the way to school Fact-finding report on minority rights launchedI want to move back to Pakistan if I am given equal citizenship rightsOne dead and another injured after shootingBrave Christian girl thwarts kidnapping attempts Christian cousins survive being shot by their neighboursPakistani Christians mark 24th anniversary of Bishop John Joseph’s deathChristian human rights activist and journalist receives death threats Christian organisation demands ban on National Single Curriculum in Pakistan Christian man kidnaped at gunpoint from outside courtThieves vandalise church in Karachi Pakistan: Police officer insulted and his job threatened because of his Christian faithFour suspects, including two teenage girls, arrested after woman murdered for alleged blasphemyPolice fail to recover two teenage Christian girls kidnapped in Karachi Pakistan: Muslim man climbs over 40 ft high church cross and starts shouting “Allahu AkbarThe role of police and judiciary is biased in cases of forced conversion, report finds Islamabad High Court sets marriage age limit at 18Election commission of Pakistan replaces word Easi with Masihi Christian woman kidnapped from Narang District SheikhupuraChristian man murdered by mob despite police presence Violent mob kills man accused of desecrating the Holy Quran in Khanewal Participatory Welfare Services hosts interfaith harmony dialogueHindu teacher sentenced to life in jail over blasphemy allegation Gunmen killed Christian priest, wound another in Peshawar, PakistanPolice shot three innocent Christian teenagers in KarachiIslamabad High Court issues notice to the government ministers on discriminatory job advertPakistani Christian mother concerned about the safety of her abducted daughterPakistan's court sentences Christian to death on blasphemy charges.Hindu temple vandalised in PakistanPakistani minorities protest against forced religious conversionRights groups urge Pakistani authorities to redefine blasphemy, and reform legislation to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws13 people arrested for burning a disabled man aliveUS assessment of religious freedom in Pakistan is biasedChristian victim of blasphemy law acquitted after 10 years in jailA Pakistani Christian girl bravely escaped her abductors Pakistan minorities protest in Islamabad against rejection of forced conversion billLand mafia and police torture Christians in Mehran town, Karachi, to seize their land Minimum age for marriage not against Islam, court rules Pakistan’s parliamentary committee rejects anti-forced conversion billPakistan: High court rules non-Muslim children as young as 10 can convert to IslamSpecial police force created for the protection of minoritiesNGOs urge the EU to act over human rights abuses in Pakistan Husband throws hot water over the woman who converted to Islam to marry himChristian mother of four kidnaped on her way to homeCross removed from Church in Pakistan during the dedication.Anti-forced conversion bill draws concern from clerics Pakistan: Another Christian woman accused of blasphemy for forwarding a text UN designates day to commemorate victims of acts of violence based on religion Two Christian girls kidnapped at gunpoint outside their house Minor Christian girl forcibly converted to Islam recovered from kidnapper and sent to shelter homeNational Assembly passes unanimous resolution condemning attack on Hindu temple Another Christian girl kidnapped and converted to IslamPakistan’s blasphemy laws equated to ethnic cleansing, conference hears Quran now a compulsory in Punjab’s schools and collegesHindu woman should be returned to her parents after alleged forced marriage, court rulesPakistan court allows 2nd marriage of Christian man in Pakistan EU calls on Pakistan to intervene in release of blasphemy accusedReligious affairs ministry says religious conversion before 18 should be allowedPakistan: Christian girl raped at schoolAnother Christian Minor Girl Sent with her Abductor by the Pakistan High CourtPakistan: Muslim Doctor forcefully converts 13-year-old Christian girl to work in kitchenPakistani Supreme Court nationalises Christian college Christian couple acquitted of blasphemy charges Pakistani court send minor Christian girl with her abductor Bill before Sindh assembly calls for all 18-year-olds to be marriedTolerant majority needs to take charge of ending religious discrimination, retired Justice says Pakistan: Christian mother of five abducted and severely abusedChristian mother concerned her abducted daughter may be sold if not recovered soon Muslim nurses took over a chapel and threatened to convert it to a mosqueEU concerned over Pakistan’s rising blasphemy casesPakistan retained as country of particular concern in USCIRF report Sindh Assembly passes resolution condemning blasphemous caricaturesImran Khan says insulting Mohammed should be same as denying HolocaustTwo Pakistani Christian nurses charged with blasphemy offencesMother of kidnapped 13-year-old accuses police of not finding her daughter Pakistan: CDA demolishes church in Islamabad during LentPakistan: Petition filed to make the death penalty the only punishment for blasphemy in the Pakistan Penal CodePakistan: Police force pastor and congregation to shut down Church Christian man granted bail after blasphemy accusations Christian Family attacked by a Muslim land grabber Protests erupt after inmate charged with blasphemyJudge issued certificate needed for religious conversion, parliamentary committee proposesPrime Minister’s aide says there is no concept of forced conversion in PakistanTwo Christians charged under blasphemy law for distributing Christian literature Sentence of 5-10 years’ jail being considered for those involved in forced conversionCommittee rejects Protection of the Rights of Religious Minorities (PRRM) Bill Pakistan: Christian staff nurse and gospel singer accused of committing blasphemy Christian father begging police to help get his daughter backChristian girl threatens to burn herself if she doesn’t get justice Pakistan: Woman kills her husband and two daughters Two Christian sisters martyred for not converting to IslamThree Christians charged with blasphemy on Christmas DayA Christian man charged with blasphemy acquitted after 11 years Pakistan rejects US designation on religious freedom blacklistMuslim man shoots Christian woman dead for refusing to marry himPoliceman told Christian father to be happy for his daughter’s conversion to Islam instead of registering a case against the kidnapper Supreme Country unhappy over reconstitution of minorities’ commissionPakistan: Christian family foil attempt to kidnap their daughter Pakistani Senate panel to hold sessions on forced conversion in SindhMuslim man wants to forcefully marry Christian girlBill for minorities rejected by senate panelAnother Pakistani Christian woman escapes her kidnapperChristian hospital cleaner accused of stealing 2.2 million rupees worth of medicinePrime Minister Imran Khan calls for rapists to be hanged publicly PML-N demands public execution of those convicted in child sex abuse cases Man calling himself Jesus charged under the blasphemy law Pakistani Christian man sentenced to death for 'blasphemous texts'Christian mother and son 11 arrested after allegedly stealing gold and cash from employer’s house Police arrest Christian man accused of blasphemyPakistani Christian leaders condemn Quran burning in Sweden Pakistan: Annual pilgrimage at national Marian shrine in Mariamabad cancelledHuman Rights Watch asks Imran Khan to amend the blasphemy law Minor marriages and their conversion is an important issue, CII chairman saysNew curriculum to be implemented next year for grade one to fiveChristian domestic servant beaten for not converting to IslamPakistani Christian mother killed by police officerYoung Christian factory worker killed by his Muslim colleagueComplaints lodged against Saba Qamar and Bilal Saeed for committing blasphemyGovernor of Punjab announces opening of Mariamabad as tourist sitePakistan’s National Assembly adopts resolution for adding Quaid-e-Azam’s speech to syllabusOn National Minorities Day, President Alvi says minorities will be treated equally Pakistan National Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution to Write Khatamun Nabiyyin With Hazrat Muhammad (SAW)Pakistani minorities mark National Minority Day with mixed feelingsPakistan’s Punjab Assembly passes resolution on Quaid’s Aug 11 speechPakistani legislators oppose bill they passed three weeks agoPakistani court sparks outrage by ruling Christian girl, 14, must stay married to alleged abductorPakistani Christian man charged with blasphemyUSCIRF outraged at courtroom killing of US citizen in Pakistan over blasphemy chargesMan accused of blasphemy In Pakistan shot dead at courtPakistan: Punjab govt asked to set minimum age of marriage for girls at 18Punjab Assembly passes bill allowing inspection of printing presses and confiscation of any publicationShould minorities leave Pakistan?Blasphemy complaint against opposition politician for saying ‘all religions are equalPakistan’s National Assembly adopts resolution for teaching Holy Quran with translation in universitiesPope 'saddened' as Hagia Sophia reverts to mosqueCouncil of Islamic Ideology in Pakistan will consider whether public funds can be used to build a Hindu templePakistani Christian man shot dead by neighbour for buying house in Muslim dominated areaIslamic seminary issues Fatwa against construction of Hindu Temple in IslamabadUniversity professor arrested under Blasphemy accusationMuslims attack a church and desecrate the Cross in PakistanChristian mother complains to Police about her daughter's abductionPakistani Minister calls for those who Blaspheme against Muhammad to beheadedHuman rights situation in Pakistan "Grealty worrisome”Pakistani Governor makes Quran teaching with translation compulsory in Punjab University
Pakistan Christian News

Pakistan: CDA demolishes church in Islamabad during Lent


On Wednesday 31 March, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) demolished Emmanuel Gospel church in Musharraf colony, sector G8/4 Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The settlement consists of about 300-400 houses and all families are Christian and poor.  

The Pastor in charge, Rev Naveed John George said that at about 8:45 (Pakistani time) a CDA team with the police arrived at the church and immediately started destroying it. When asked why they were doing this, instead of explaining, the CDA and police started shouting and insulting the pastor.

Pastor George said they have worshipped there for the last 12 years, and the land for the church was donated by his older brother Kamran George. The building was old, and the structure was not very strong, which is why the roof of the church had been leaking for a while. The church committee had decided to change the roof and had raised funds for this purpose.  It had already notified the CDA in writing that they were going to change the roof. But instead of replying, on the morning of March 31, they tore down the church.

Pastor George said this was illegal, and they were not given any prior notice or any other information about the action. He added that they had still not been told why the church had been demolished. He added that this is a holy month and now they have no place for Easter worship. 

The pastor said the congregation is very upset because the CDA has not just demolished the church but hurt their religious feelings too.  He added that it was very sad that they were not even given time to remove the holy cross from the church building, or holy Bibles and other commodities they consider holy. Such desecration of the Holy Bible and the Cross is not acceptable. Pastor George said the CDA has not just hurt their religious feelings but they have been reminded that being Christians they have no respect and no rights in Pakistan. He said they had tried to raise their concerns to get the attention of high authorities, but it all seems to have been in vain and they are now considering legal action against the CDA for desecrating the church, holy Bible and hurting their religious feelings. 

He added that with 300-400 houses and three other churches in the vicinity, it is beyond his understanding why this church has been targeted. 

Napoleon Qayum, Director of Pak Centre for Law and Justice, a human rights group based in Lahore, has expressed his grave concern stating that it is totally illegal to demolish any community’s worship place without any notice, no matter what the reason. Even if the CDA had any valid legal reason to take action and demolish the church, it was their responsibility to give prior notice to the pastor, mentioning their concerns and asking for the removal of the Holy Bibles and other commodities to avoid hurting the religious feelings of Christians. It is not just a matter of the local Christians but the whole Pakistani Christian community whether living in Pakistan or abroad. He said he is very upset and requests that the Minority Rights Commission and Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony must take immediate action and rebuild the church at their own expense without any delay as such unpleasant action by the government not only creates problems but also brings a bad name to the country.