Jizya Tax imposed on Christians in Essa Nagri, Karachi.

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