Shamim has an off and on perception of Islamic largesse in
Pakistan. When terrorism strikes, he notes the hypocrisy of a Constitution that
stipulates equal rights for all Pakistani citizens regardless of religious
faith. A Constitution that also stipulates Pakistan is an Islamic Republic. A
Pakistan that follows Sharia Law and enforces Blasphemy Laws that literally can
lead to awaiting a death sentence in jail unless an observant Muslim mob kills
the accused violator of the Muslim Blasphemy Law first.
During this Christmas season in Pakistan a combine
Christian/Muslim effort has put together a Christmas Train that travels through
various Pakistani cities ending at Karachi on New Years’ Eve. The object of the
Christmas Peace Train is to promote harmony between the Sunni Islamic majority
and the multiple religious minorities which in Shamim’s case include
Christians. Apparently collective of dignitaries are providing peace speeches
along the trip.
JRH 12/26/16
*******************
Christmas Train Travelling from Khayber to Karachi
By Shamim Masih
Sent 12/24/2016 2:59 AM
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Christians are peace ambassador in
Pakistan and working to promote harmony in the country, says Kamran Michael.
Talking to the media at launching [the] ceremony of [the] Christmas Peace Train
at Margalla Railway Station, Islamabad Federal Minister for Human Rights
Senator Kamran Michael reiterated his commitment to save the rights of the
marginalized segment of the society including children, women and minorities in
Pakistan.
Kamran Michael said that minorities have served the nation
and Christmas Train initiative is to show the work done by the minorities’
representatives to fellow citizens of Pakistan.
Earlier, [the] Christmas Peace Train was launched from
Islamabad as part of Christmas celebrations. Federal Minister for Human Rights
Senator Kamran Michael and Minister for Railway Khawja Saad Rafique jointly
inaugurated the Peace Train at Margala Railway station in Islamabad.
Besides, diplomats, officials of Railway and Human Rights; a large number of
people were present on this occasion. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of [the]
Peace Train, both Ministers expressed their happiness and said that this
initiative is taken for the very first time in sub-continent in continuation of
acknowledging those efforts which Christian community has made for Pakistan.
This endeavor will be fruitful to minimize the distances between Muslims and
Christian communities. They further added that Christian community has served
this county with devotion and passion and we always acknowledge that struggle.
This Peace Train would be a source of interfaith harmony and will reflect the
strong bonds of Muslims and Christian communities. Minister for Human
Rights Kamran Michael said that the present day, Pakistan has become a Pakistan
of our dreams with no differences of religion, cast, colors, or creed. He
further expressed that [the] Peace Train is a symbol of peace, love, equality
and harmony and it will spread the message of love and peace. He said that [the]
Peace Train will create awareness about tolerance and interfaith harmony.
Railway Minister, Saad Rafique said that minorities have been playing pivotal
role in progress, development and prosperity of Pakistan. Our
constitution guarantees the equal rights to all citizens living in this
country. We need to hold the hands of each other to touch prosperity and
success. He urged Christians and Muslims to work collectivity by forgetting all
differences for the sake of country.
Decorated with three galleries and two floats, [the]
Christmas Peace Train started its journey from Peshawar and is scheduled to
reach Karachi on December 31, 2016 by covering different cities like
Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Lahore, Sahiwal, Rohri, Tando Adam and Hyderabad.
Be Blessed,
Shamim Mahmood [Masih]
SUPPORT Shamim’s Christian advocacy in Pakistan.
First contact Shamim in case he has found an easy way to
donate. I like to use Western Union sending money with this LINK to the destination of
Islamabad (Contact Shamim in case he
has changed cities). Shamim’s email is shamimpakistan@gmail.com,
Western Union may ask for Shamim’s phone - +92-300-642-4560
email. shamimpakistan@gmail.com
+92-300-642-4560
______________
Edited by John R. Houk
All text enclosed by brackets are by the Editor.
© Shamim Mahmood [Masih]
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