By Nasir Saeed

OP-ED

Enduring Faith: Non-Violence as a Survival Strategy for Christians in Pakistan


Every year on October 2nd, the world commemorates the International Day of Non-Violence, a day dedicated to promoting peace and rejecting violence. The date, chosen to honour the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, is a reminder of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which has inspired movements for justice and human rights across the world. However, for many Christians in Pakistan, this day is not just a moment of reflection but also a painful reminder of the violence they endure simply for practicing their faith.

 

Christians in Pakistan, a minority in a predominantly Muslim country, have long faced discrimination, marginalization, and violence. Despite the principles of peace and non-violence being central to Christianity, this community continues to suffer from systemic persecution. The challenges Christians face in Pakistan highlight the harsh reality that non-violence is not just an ideal but a survival strategy in the face of constant threats.

 

The recent cases of forced conversions, abductions, and attacks on Christian communities are sobering examples of how deeply rooted intolerance has become. The blasphemy laws, in particular, have been weaponized to target Christians. Accusations under these laws, often based on false claims, lead to mob violence, arrests, and even executions. Christian families are left to flee their homes, hide their children, and live in fear, knowing that any misstep, or even a simple misunderstanding, can lead to deadly consequences.

 

In a country where justice often eludes the marginalized, non-violence for Christians is not a choice but a forced way of life. Responding with violence, no matter how provoked, would only further endanger their lives and make them more vulnerable to state and vigilante action. Yet, the path of non-violence is not passive. It requires immense courage, strength, and resilience to endure the daily threats to life, property, and dignity, all while striving to uphold Christian principles of peace, forgiveness, and love.

 

The recent abduction of Christian girls, such as the case of 12-year-old Saneha, underscores the urgency for more concrete measures to protect this vulnerable community. Saneha was kidnapped near her home while performing a simple errand. Her story is one of many—Christian girls are often forcibly converted and married off to Muslim men against their will. Families are left devastated, fighting legal battles they rarely win, as the system often sides with the perpetrators rather than the victims.

 

For these families, the International Day of Non-Violence is not just about philosophical ideals. It is a cry for help, a desperate plea for protection, and a call for the international community to take notice. The Pakistani government, which bears the responsibility of protecting all its citizens, has failed to provide security and justice to its Christian minority. Instead, impunity reigns, and the perpetrators of violence, whether individuals or mobs, walk free.

 

In this context, human rights organizations and Christian advocacy groups have an essential role to play. Their work in documenting cases of violence, raising awareness, and lobbying for legal reforms is critical. But more is needed. The international community, particularly countries with strong Christian populations, must amplify their voices. Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and targeted campaigns for justice can go a long way in ensuring that Pakistan honours its commitments to human rights and the protection of its minorities.

For Christians in Pakistan, the legacy of non-violence extends beyond just resisting physical harm. It is about standing firm in their faith despite overwhelming odds. Many Christians continue to practice their religion, attend church services, and celebrate their religious holidays, knowing full well that these acts could make them targets of violence. Their bravery is a testament to the power of non-violence, even in the face of hostility and oppression.

 

The church, too, plays a crucial role in supporting its community. In many Christian neighbourhoods, churches serve not only as places of worship but also as safe havens where the community can gather, seek support, and find solace in their shared faith. Pastors and religious leaders, aware of the risks, continue to lead their congregations, preaching messages of peace, forgiveness, and resilience, even when faced with threats to their lives.

 

However, the burden of non-violence should not rest solely on the shoulders of Pakistan’s Christian community. The government, civil society, and international bodies must step up to protect those who are vulnerable. Legal reforms are desperately needed to repeal or amend blasphemy laws, which are often used as tools of oppression. Law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for failing to protect minority communities and for allowing mob violence to go unpunished. Educational programs promoting tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and human rights can help address the deep-seated prejudices that fuel much of the violence against Christians.

On this International Day of Non-Violence, the world must not forget the plight of Christians in Pakistan. Their struggle for survival, justice, and dignity is a call to action for all who believe in the principles of peace and non-violence. While the Christian community in Pakistan continues to practice resilience in the face of violence, it is time for the global community to recognize their suffering and take meaningful steps to protect them.

Non-violence, as practiced by Christians in Pakistan, is not just a theoretical ideal. It is a daily reality, shaped by the need to survive in a hostile environment. Their strength, despite enduring years of violence and persecution, should serve as a powerful reminder to the world of the importance of standing with those who are oppressed. As we commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence, let us honour their resilience and renew our commitment to fighting for a world where no one has to live in fear because of their faith.