Jizya Tax imposed on Christians in Essa Nagri, Karachi.
Essa
Nagri is a densly populated Christian community in Karachi. The
total population of Essa Nagri is said to be close to 50,000 men, women and children.
Christians
living there suffer great poverty, however, they are
strong believers and church attendance is very good. Essa nagri is
served by over 25 established churches of varying denominations; Roman
Catholic, Presbyterian, Church of Pakistan, Philadelphia Pentecostal,
Seventh Day Adventist, Salvation Army. In addition to this many other
large and small Ministries are also working in Essa Nagri.
During the last six months, Essa Nagri people have been subjected to
increasing attacks from local Islamic militants. The militants are
entering Essa Nagri with guns,
machine guns, pistols and other modern weapons. They enter the
Christian area and loot the community. Incidents include; snatching
mobile phones, obtaining Jizya tax (Islamic religious tax for protection
of minorities) under duress - often at gun
point and violent attacks on innocent victims simply for fun. As they
leave they celebrate their haul by firing their guns in the air and
whooping! This is causing significant fear in the local community.
John Nurses organization Karachi, Pakistan. Working as a basic health provided
Is an organization working in this area,and an other organization working for the rights of Christians. MASS has filed
a written
complaint in P.I.B Police Station Karachi on 21-03-2012. They have also
written a complaint to the Director General of Pakistan Rangers on
23-03-2012. and also renewed reminded on 20- july-2012
A spokesperson said:
"We have called on both bodies to take action
against these terrorists."
The BPCA has been advised that as we write this
article violents attacks have continued since the two letters detailed
above and no action to curb the activity has been initiated.
An Essa Nagri resident said;
" We are not cowards but we don't have weapons, how
we can fight against these terrorists."
The
BPCA has responded to a MASS appeal for pray and calls for Christians
across the Globe to pray for the Christians of Essa Nagri. Pray for
direct Government intervention to ensue, and for it to be effective in
alleviating the suffering of this beleaguered community.
may God Jesus Christ help us.
YAQUB JOHN
JOHN NURSES ORG
ESSA NAGRI
