PROTEST AGAINST KILLING OF 200 CHRISTIANS AT PESHAWAR CHURCH.

On 23rd September, 2013 a protest rally was organized by Peace fro nation international (PNI) & other civil society organizations of District Faisalabad. The protest was joined by more than 1000 people belong to different spheres of life. While Mr. ZafarIqbal (Program manger – PNI), Mr. Eric David, Pastor Sohail, Mr. Javed Samuel were among the speakers of the rally. The representatives of electronic and print media were present to cover the news.

Speakers said that attacks of worship places and shrines are not acceptable by anyone. Thousands of innocent citizens and members of law enforcement agencies have been killed by terrorism activities but Government seems not capable to tackle the miserable situation. Pakistan is known as a bad country in the world due to such circumstances. Our economy has been badly affected and foreign investors are not interested to come to Pakistan due to unsatisfactory arrangement of security. So we should be together against all not state elements, Government should take irony measures to provide long lasting peace in the country.

VIGIL PROTEST IN SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS OF PESHAWAR CHURCH INCIDENT.

On 25th September 2013, a memorial service for the Martyrs and Special prayer service for the wounded people of Peshawar church attack was organized by Peace for nation international (PNI) and other civil society organizations of Faisalabad, at Press Club Faisalabad. Special prayers were offered for the wounded people, all the people pays tribute to the Martyrs of Bomb blast, candles were burnt in their remembrance for solidarity.
The speakers of activity shared their grievance regarding killing of innocent Christians and condemned the all sorts of terrorism activities in Pakistan. They encouraged the people to be united against the anti peace forces who are trying to destroy the peace of Pakistan.

Participants having candles in their hands were chanting slogans against Taliban and other non state actors involved in such kind of terrorism activities. They demanded solid and long lasting peace in Pakistan. 
Speakers more said that we are thankful to media and civil society organizations for solidarity with victims of Peshawar Church incident.

MEETING OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION GROUP.

On 30th April 2014 today, a meeting entitled “Promotion of peace and inter-faith harmony” was organized by Peace for nation international (PNI) at village 235 R.B, Niamoonwala. The meeting was joined by 23 male and female participants belong to different spheres of life to discus social issues related to peace among different religions and sects.
The purpose of the activity was to engage people of different religions to play their role at the time of any conflict between the people of two religions. There is social discrimination and prejudice in the society, the community protection group will be very much helpful to play its role to eliminate social discrimination, prejudice and persecution.

Mr.  Zafar Iqbal requested the members of community protection group to work together for the promotion of peace and inter-faith harmony to build a peaceful society.
The meeting was concluded with the prayer for solid and long lasting peace in the country.

PROTEST AGAINST THE MURDER OF RASHID REHMAN (SENIOR ADV. & HRD).

We, Peace for nation international (PNI) organized an agitation with Human Rights Defenders and civil society organizations, held at press club, Faisalabad, on 8th May 2014. This protest aims to condemn the atrocious killing of the senior advocate and a Human Rights Defender, Martyred Rashid Rehman Khan.

It is a great loss for the nation of Pakistan, all the human rights defenders grieved and condemned the vicious murder of a great HRD.
All the participants tied black ribbons on their arms, holding placards and protested in front of Press club, Faisalabad.

PROTEST AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.

CHRISTIANS & OTHER RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IS THE VICTIM OF DISCRIMINATION AND PREJUDICE IN PAKISTAN. 

On 12th May 2014 today, Peace for nation international (PNI) staged a protest demonstration in front of the office of Regional Police officer (RPO) of Faisalabad Police to condemn the discrimination and mistreatment with Christians regarding their jobs in Government sector. Government has announced 5% jobs quota for Non-Muslims but there is no implementation on the notification issued by Punjab Government. We urged Police department to implement on the notification to provide jobs to Christian people. Participants were chanting slogans against Punjab Police. They were holding banners and placards for their demands.

CONSULTATION MEETING WITH COMMUNITY PROTECTION GROUP.

On 27th May 2014, a consultation meeting was organized by Peace for nation international (PNI) at office of harmony foundation at Daud Nagar, Faisalabad. Meeting was joined by 22 human rights defenders of Faisalabad, members of community protection group. Problems and hurdles faced in recent days by human rights defenders was the main topic of discussion. 
Some fact finding reports were shared with facts and figures and back grounds. The participants shared that numbers of human rights activist have been killed, some are still receiving threats. The activists who are striving for the rights of Brick kiln workers; their lives are on the risk. Plan of action and work strategy was reviewed during the meeting. 

The participants said that we are the people of God and it’s our obligation to raise voice for the rights of vulnerable and marginalized Christian people. The meeting was concluded with prayer for the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE STAGED A PROTEST DEMONSTRATION ON THURSDAY OUTSIDE THE FAISALABAD PRESS CLUB AGAINST THE KILLING OF A CHRISTIAN COUPLE ACCUSED OF BLASPHEMY ON TUESDAY IN KOT RADHA KISHAN.

 The demonstrators urged the government to swiftly punish those held responsible for the incident to prevent the persecution of minorities in the country. They also asked the government to take comprehensive steps to put an end to misuse of criminal laws. The prosecutors said the state had an obligation to prevent the proliferation of provocative literature that promoted intolerance. The demonstrators also urged the government to regulate loudspeaker use to promote communal harmony and public order.
 The protest demonstration was organized by the Peace for Nation International (PNI) the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), the Right to Expression, Assembly, Association and Thought (REAT) Network, the Peace and Human Development (PHD) Foundation, the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan (NMAP), the South Asia Partnership-Pakistan (SAP-PK), and and the Adara Samaji Behbood (ASB).
 The demonstrators carried placards and banners inscribed with slogans against religious persecution. They also raised slogans against intolerance, misuse of laws and religious extremism.

 Hashmat Barkat(Founder & Chairman, an advocate, said a judicial commission should probe the incident and those held responsible for the incident must be swiftly punished. Pastor Irshad Parkash said the government must provide security to the family of the deceased. He said the state had a duty to safeguard the rights and privileges of minorities.
Father Khalid Rasheed said that the state had failed to promote a culture of peace and understanding. He said the state had been unable to protect the life and property of minorities. Rasheed said laws were being misused to victimise minorities.
Awam Programme Director Naseem Anthony said the failure of the police to rescue the beleaguered couple represented the impotence of the state’s writ. He said justice should be meted out to those held responsible for the incident.
 NMAP Chairman Robin Daniel said the incident was rooted in a dispute over wages and advance payments. He said no evidence was found regarding the alleged desecration of Holy Quran. Daniel said democracy would remain a chimera till the state managed to effectively protect the life and property of its citizens.

 PHD Foundation Executive Director Suneel Malik strongly condemned the incident as ‘tragic, shocking and brutal.’ He said the government should ensure that such instances are not repeated. Former lawmaker George Clement said the government and the judiciary had never taken action against religious extremists. He said such elements had frequently conspired to compromise harmony and public order. Clement said the government must put an end to the misuse of laws.
Mian Abdul Qayyum, a union leader, said the blasphemy charges against the deceased were baseless. He said some people had conspired to kill them by giving a monetary dispute a religious colour. Rana Raheel, a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf activist stressed the need to revise the curriculum as it promoted intolerance. Arif Ayaz, an Awami Workers’ Party activist, said the present system was biased against the disposed. He said injustice should be eliminated by ensuring rule of law.
 Najeeb Shah, a religious scholar, said a committee should be constituted to evaluate and prevent the misuse of the blasphemy law.

 PRESS CONFERENCE ON RELIGIOUS MINORITY.

Peace for nation international (PNI), The AWAM Pakistan and D A C Home Network Organizations Organized a Press Conference on religious Minority held at Press Club Faisalabad on November 9th , 2014. At this Stage Nazia Sardar Awam Pakistan, Hashmat Barkat Advocat (PNI), Naseem Anthony Awam Pakistan,Ayaz Arif (Awami worker party) Saria addressed the Media.
HomeNet Pakistan district action committee and Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) on Sunday said the government should constitute a judicial commission to probe the blasphemy and subsequent violence in Kasur without delay and the findings of the commission be made public.
Speaking at a press conference, Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Founder & Chairman PNI), AWAM Executive Director Nazia Sardar, Awami Workers Party General Secretary Arif Ayaz and Lady Health Workers Association leader Suraiya Waseer expressed concern over the burning of the Christian couple at Kot Radha Kishan.

“The Christian citizens in neighbouring villages has fled the area for fear of their safety. The police arrested many suspects, but the main accused is still at large,” Advocate Hashmat Barkat said.
They criticized police for failing to rescue the couple.
“The government has failed to protect minority groups being targeted through exploitation of blasphemy laws,” Nazia said.
“The government must take measures to stop the misuse of blasphemy laws through reforming it,” they added. They demanded that the government take steps to ensure safety and security of the family of the deceased. They said minorities had been suffering under discriminatory laws formed by weak governments seeking to consolidate their rule by pandering to the extreme Right. They said it was time that minorities were brought to mainstream politics to end their plight.

INTERACTIVE THEATER PERFORMANCE ON MINORITY RIGHTS.

On 4th march 2015 a theater performance on minority rights was performed by Sandal Theater at St. Paul’s High school at Hajwaeri Town Faisalabad, organized by RASTA NGOs Network in collaboration with Piler organization. 200 male and female participants watched the theater performance and gave their recommendation for better change in society to provide opportunities to religious minority for their social and economic development. Dr. Gull Perviaz Akhtar Ghouri (Deputy Director – RASTA Network) shared introduction, aim and objectives of RASTA Network. Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman- PNI) shared the status of religious minorities indicating the discrimination and economic exploitation faced by religious minorities and other vulnerable communities in our society.

The performance was very much admired by the spectators. The purpose of this interactive theater performance was to underline the discrimination and economic exploitation, lack of acceptance for religious minorities at private and government job sector.

Ms. Muqadas shared introduction of Dastger centre where women and members of religious minorities can contact to get free legal aid when needed. Ch. Tariq Awan (coordinator- Piler) shared that Piler is providing awareness and education for religious minorities, women and person with disabilities at 13 district of Punjab to highlight their problems.

At the end of performance spectators were invited to share suggestions and recommendations to change the miserable situation. Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman- PNI), Dr. Gull Perviaz Akhtar Ghouri (Director- HEDO Organization), Mr. yousaf adnan (Chairman- Care foundation), Ms. Manwar Sultana and Lalla Robin (social activist) shared their valuable input highlighting the non implementation of 5% job quota for religious minorities, discrimination, prejudice and poor policies of Government.     
Speakers said that social and interfaith harmony is needed to promote tolerance and acceptance for all. Equal opportunities should be provided to all vulnerable communities include women, religious minorities and person with disabilities. They urge the Government to provide more job opportunities through transparent and merit bases system.

KARACHI INCIDENT WAS STRONGLY CONDEMNED BY FNN.

A Despicable Atrocity at Karachi took place on May 13th 2015, where terrorists attacked a bus with 60 passengers belong to a very peaceful community, leaving 46 people dead including; women, children and senior citizens. This sordid incident shocked the whole Pakistan especially to the religious minorities who are being targeted after one another.
On 14th May 2015 a protest meeting was called by Faisalabad NGOs Network (FNN), hosted by Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman – Peace for Nation international) at Kiyani Hall, District Bar council, Faisalabad. Representatives of all member organizations of the network joined the meetings and expressed the grievance upon inhuman act of violence. They strongly condemned the incident and demanded solid and effective action against the culprits.

Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman-PNI), Mr. Nadeem Ahmad (Chairman-FNN), Mr. yousaf Adnan (Senior vice Chairman- FNN), Dr. Gul Perviaz Akhtar Ghouri (National Coordinator-FNN), Mr. Saleem (Chairman – National welfare society) and Mr. Syed Ali Shah (General Secretary-FNN) addressed the meeting and said the condemnation on such brutal incidents is not enough but some practical measures are needed to eliminate this menace of terrorism.
During the protest meeting they observed a two-minute silence to express solidarity with Ismailli community and after the meeting a protest demonstration was also staged.

 “SAFETY & SECURITY OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS MINORITIES”

On 8th June 2015, at Golden Flame restaurant, a seminar entitled “Safety & Security of Ethnic and Religious Minorities” was organized by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education & Research (PILER) to address the violations of minority’s rights in Pakistan. The seminar was joined by almost 200 people belong to different spheres of like while Ch. Tariq Awan (Coordinator Punjab - PILLER), Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman – PNI), Advocate Tahir Naveed Ch. (Chairman – PMA), Mrs. Madiha Rana (MPA – (N) League), Ms. Muqadas Abro (Coordinator – PILER), Mr. ZafarIqbal (Program manager – PNI), Mrs. Christina Peter (Executive Director – AWARD) and Mr. Tahir Mehmood (Social activist – PILER) were among the speakers of the seminar. 

Lack of implementation on the recommendations and orders of inquiry report on Gojra incident and attack of All saints Church at Peshawar was discussed. Establishment of intelligence & crime Prevention Branches, Constitution of District Religious Dispute Resolution Board, amending of substantive law i.e. Chapter XV PPC, the relevant provisions of Cr.P.C i.e. Ss 196 & 196-B and Police Order 2002, mandating Federal Intelligence Agencies to provide first hand information at Divisional level, Establishment of Special Force for Protection and Protocol of VIPs and other vulnerable persons, Gradation of the District on the basis of sensitivity and enhancement of the law enforcing personnel accordingly were demanded.

THE KILLING OF INNOCENT MUSLIMS IN BURMA WAS STRONGLY CONDEMNED.

On 15th June 2015, In front of Press Club Faisalabad, a protest demonstration was staged by Peace for nation International (PNI) & Women Social Organization (WSO) to show solidarity with Muslims of Burma. The killing of innocent Muslims in Burma was strongly condemned and immediate measures were demanded from United Nations to stop bloodshed in Burma. The protest was joined by 150 people belong to different walks of life. The participants were chanting slogans against violation of basic rights of Muslims in Burma.

There were active participation by Advocate Hashmat Barkat (Chairman – Peace for nation international), Mr. Talha (Women Social Organization), Mrs. Shaheen Anthony Gill (Director – RASTA NGOs Network), Ms Sana (WSO), Dr. Gul Perviaz Akhtar Gouri (National Coordinator – FNNP), Mr. Suneel Malik (Director – PDF), Dr. Farooq Adnan (Chairman – Danish Foundation), Mr. ZafarIqbal (program Manager – PNI), Mr. Irfan Gill (Christian Study Center), Lalla Robin Denial, Mr. Sohail Malik, Mr. Khalil Bhatti (Chairman – Ever Green Foundation), Pastor Irshad Parkash (Chairman - Idara Samaji Behbod), Mr. Farooq Ayub (Chairman – Maimar Development Organization) and Mr. Shahzad Vicky.

“ENSURE PROTECTION OF MINORITY RIGHTS”

On 18th June 2015, in front of Press Club Faisalabad, a protest demonstration entitled “Ensure Protection of Minority Rights” was staged by Peace & Human Development Foundation (PHD), Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM), Peace for Nation International (PNI), Adara Samaji Bebod (ASB), Lyall Pur Development Organization (LDO) and REAT Network of HRDs Faisalabad. The Protest was joined by 150 people belong to different spheres of life. The participants were chanting slogans in support of their demands. 

They demanded that, the federal Government should constitute a task force tasked with developing a strategy of religious tolerance. The family Laws for Non-Muslims (Sikh, Hindu & Kilash) must be enacted and personal Laws for Christians must be reformed. The Government must develop appropriate educational curricula at school and college levels to promote a culture of religious and social tolerance. The federal and all provincial governments shall ensure the enforcement of the relevant policy directives regarding reservation of quota for minorities in all services for their economic uplift. The federal and all provincial governments must set up special Police force with special training to take pro-active stance to protect settlements and workshop places of Non-Muslims from mob attacks. The government must constitute a National council for Minorities’ Rights to monitor the practical realization of the rights and safeguards provided to the minorities under and the Constitution and Law, and frame policy recommendations to safeguard and protect Minorities’ rights.
There was active participation by representatives of different NGOs includes; Mr. Naseem Anthony (AWAM Pakistan), Mr. Suneel Malik (PHD Foundation), Advocate Hashmat Barkat (PNI), Ms. Nazia Sardar (AWAM Pakistan), Mr. ZafarIqbal (PNI), Pastor Irshad Parkash (ASB), Mr. Tahir Iqbal (LDO), Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed (SAP), Mr. Adeel Bhatti (EGF), Mr. Farooq Ayub (MDO), Mr. Shafique (SAP), Mr. Arif Iyaz (AWP), Mr. Maqssod Gill (AMAN), Mr. Shahid Gill (NCJP), Mr. Abrar Sohtra and Pastor Salam Masih.