Protests Halt Evictions of Christian Settlers in Islamabad Temporarily

Temporary Reprieve for Islamabad’s Embattled Christian Community

In a significant development, Islamabad’s authorities have put on hold plans to evict approximately 25,000 residents, primarily Christians, from settlements on government-owned land. This decision comes after a wave of protests from the affected community, highlighting their struggles with poverty and discrimination.

Earlier statements by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi indicated a government crackdown on illegal settlements, asserting, “Wherever there is government land that has been encroached, it will be vacated.” This sparked widespread unrest among the Christian communities.

The situation has gained international attention, notably from the British parliament’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Pakistani Minorities. Jim Shannon MP, chair of the group, emphasized the vulnerability of these communities, stating, “The Christian families living in Islamabad’s informal settlements are among the country’s most vulnerable communities.”

Shannon further highlighted the constitutional rights of minorities in Pakistan, calling for a halt to the demolitions and urging authorities to engage with residents to ensure no family is left homeless or unsupported. “Any development initiative must uphold these commitments,” he added.

One area under threat is Rimsha Colony, named after a Christian girl involved in a high-profile false accusation case. Many Christians, displaced by previous conflicts, have found refuge here, with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan indicating governmental involvement in their relocation.

Local leader Imran Shahzad Sahotra voiced concerns to Christian Daily International, pointing out the lack of alternatives for these residents due to economic hardships. “Issuing directives to slum dwellers to vacate the land without offering them alternative shelters is a great injustice … People are settled here and have no other options,” he expressed.

Despite the temporary suspension, reports suggest that the government’s broader plan, which includes constructing a new road connecting two sectors of Islamabad, is still in consideration. An anonymous official from the Capital Development Authority confirmed to UCA News that the evictions will “definitely proceed.”