On 3rd Nov 2013, The Voice’s research officer Khurram Akhtar was contacted by Javed Masih and other residents of the Wassanpura which is a Christian enclave of about 200 Christian homes in an area of nearly 500 homes. There are three or four Muslim religious groups active in Shershah Colony, an adjacent neighborhood, which often organize processions and pass through Wassanpura chanting religious slogans in an intimidating manner several Christians in Wassanpura, a Christian area in Lahore, Pakistan, received threatening letters. The letters, believed to be from the Muslim group Ashiqaan-e-Rasool, demanded the Christians to vacate the area, otherwise their houses would be burned and the Christians would be killed. At least 12 Christian homes received these threatening letters. The threatening letters were another in a long line of threats and attacks against the Christian community in Pakistan. These Christian families, in fear for their lives, gathered together in one place. They contacted a local pastor and community leader who contacted the police department. The police arrived within 15 minutes, inspected the area, and ensured the Christians they were safe and the matter would be resolved soon. However, the Christians remained terrified and some left their homes. The local resident believes this incident could be connected to the recent blasphemy case against Adnan Masih. Masih was recently accused of writing blasphemous comments in a book and was charged with Blasphemy.
Therefore they contacted the Voice Society for legal Aid, the Voice team comprised of Ms. Aneeqa Maria, Mr. Khurram Akhtar, Mr. Shahid Anthony, Mr. Napolean Qayyum visited the Christian Colony and after doing the fact finding decided to act legally against the undue influence and harassment. The Voice filed a Writ petition against the unknown but Islamic groups for harrassing the petitioners and also prayed for the permanent security of the Christian Community residing there. Later on the Writ was accepted by the Honorable Sessions Court and the application was referred to Senior Superintendent of the Police. The Voice also filed the Compliance of the session Court’s order in the High Court which was also accepted. The Voice arranged the Police security through Court and now the community of Wassan pura is living in peace so far.
These sort of cases are now happening in routine, sometimes by the Land Mafia, sometimes by the Islamic Radicals, no religious minority is safe in Pakistan. That’s why people are selling their land and properties and are relocating in other Countries. This time is so-far the hardest time for the Christians in Pakistan in past few years when there is no security, and no place for the Christians in the society.