Brussels, September 8, 2023 — A Pakistani Christian delegation held a meeting with European parliamentarians in Brussels to seek their intervention and support in addressing the grave situation faced by Christians in Pakistan.
The delegation, composed of prominent community leaders including Watson Gill, Ijaz Mathew Zulfquar, Pastor Imran Gill, Gasper Daniel, and Anson Sikandar, embarked on this mission with an unwavering commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Pakistani Christians. Their primary focus was to draw attention to the alarming atrocities against Christians in Pakistan and to implore the European Parliament to champion their cause.
During the meeting, the delegation passionately advocated for the equal recognition of minorities as full-fledged citizens within Pakistan. They underscored the pressing need to curb the distressing practice of forced conversions of minority women and called for the immediate repeal of the contentious blasphemy laws. Additionally, the delegation urged a halt to destructive acts targeting minority places of worship and the unconditional release of Christians incarcerated in fabricated blasphemy cases.
In a symbolic gesture that underscored the seriousness of their appeal, the delegation also called for the suspension of all forms of assistance, including Pakistan's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) plus status, until tangible progress is achieved on these crucial issues.
The delegation formally presented a petition addressed to Mr. Josip Borrell, the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission. This petition emphatically conveyed the urgency and significance of their cause and implored the European Parliament to stand as a beacon of hope and support for Pakistani Christians.
This meeting marks a pivotal step towards raising international awareness and catalyzing meaningful intervention. The European Parliament, through its dedicated representatives, has the potential to become a powerful advocate for the rights, safety, and well-being of Pakistani Christians, who continue to face formidable challenges in their homeland
