by Shafique Khokhar

In 2013, Philips Masih was charged under the "black law" on false allegations. Freed thanks to the intervention of some Muslim leaders, his electrical equipment store went bankrupt. AsiaNews told his story and an anonymous benefactor – who is helping six more people - donated food and helped him to begin again.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Being able to rely once again "on one's own dignity" is a "blessing" from Jesus Christ in this "Easter period".  It is a blessing achieved also thanks to "AsiaNews who brought my story to light" and to the people "who have given me financial and moral support". "I pray that those who, like me, have been the victims of false accusations of blasphemy in the country are supported by people similar to the philanthropists who have helped me. I can now earn a living and support my family". These are the words of gratitude of the 20 year old Christian Philips Masih, a native of Daudnagar (Faisalabad, Punjab), who was charged last year under the "black law" and who today, can finally celebrate the grand opening of its new electric parts shop. A goal achieved thanks to the assistance of a benefactor through the humanitarian association "Dignity First", a "man of God" who wishes to remain anonymous.

His story dates back to April 13, 2013, in the Daudnagar, where in July 2010 a serious incident of anti-Christian violence took place (two Protestant pastors - Rashid Emmanuel and Sajid Emmanuel - on trial for blasphemy were murdered outside the courthouse by an armed Islamist) . In this case, however, the victim was charged with false accusations by a neighboring Muslim (Muhammad Jameel) of having removed a poster from the walls of his house, that advertised a conference of Islamic experts.

During the investigation earlier disagreements over money between Philips Masih and Muhammad Jameel also emerged, explaining the pretext of blasphemy used to target the young Christian. However, the testimony of some local residents and the decisive intervention of Islamic religious leaders - including Muhammad Rehan, a member of the Committee for Interreligious Dialogue and the Mufti Muhammad Zia Madni - led to all charges being dropped. Following the episode, for security reasons Philips and his family had to leave the area and stay in a safe place for over three months. Meanwhile, the young Christian's business went bankrupt and he was without a job.

AsiaNews told the young Christian's story and captured the attention of a foreign benefactor who wanted to help him through two human rights groups "on the ground". The man, who now follows and supports six other people with similar stories, sent contributions in the form of food and groceries; decisive financial support, which allowed Philips to reopen his business with great fanfare on April 27 and an investment of 2 thousand dollars.

The young man's mother, Saira Liaquat, underlines their great "faith in Jesus Christ" and calls for a special blessing "for AsiaNews and our benefactor" who helped her son to rebuild his business. Gulnaz Yousaf, president of Dignity First, said: "It is wonderful to see a victim of religious hatred, restart his business thanks to the help of generous people".  The woman also reserved criticism of the government in Islamabad, unable to contain the factors which encourage interfaith confrontation and guilty of giving a "free hand" to extremists.

 

• PAKISTAN
• christian
• victim
• blasphemy
• laws
• business
• asianews
• benefactor
• dignity
• first