Brussels, September 10, 2023 – In a significant meeting held on Friday, September 8, a delegation representing the Pakistani Christian community passionately conveyed their deep concerns to the European External Action Committee. The focus of this urgent appeal was the ongoing atrocities against Christians in Pakistan particularly in the context of the most recent, Jaranwala incident, with a fervent request for the intervention of the European Parliament to protect the rights and safety of Pakistani Christians.
The delegation, consisting of Watson Gill, Ijaz Mathew Zulfquar, Pastor Imran Gill, Gasper Daniel, and Anson Sikandar, underscored several critical issues to the EU parliamentarians. The delegates also called for the recognition of minorities as equal citizens within Pakistan, emphasizing the immediate need to prevent the forced conversion of minority women and the abolition of blasphemy laws.
Additionally, they also highlighted the urgency of halting destructive actions such as setting fire to minority places of worship and securing the prompt release of Christians who are unjustly imprisoned in the Jaranwala incident and other false blasphemy cases.
In a symbolic gesture of their unwavering commitment to these vital changes, the delegation further appealed for the suspension of all forms of assistance, including the GSP plus status, until substantial progress is made on these pressing matters.
To ensure the gravity and urgency of their cause were fully understood, the delegation submitted a petition directly addressed to Mr. Josip Borrell, the High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission.
This meeting marks a pivotal step toward raising international awareness and seeking intervention. The European Parliament, along with its representatives, now stands as potential advocates for the rights and safety of Pakistani Christians, demonstrating solidarity with this vulnerable community.
