Punjab: Christians in Daska protest construction on church land
The work affects the property of the historic St. Mark's Church, founded in 1882. For its pastor, Rev Din, three times more land has been taken without the church’s consent. Protesters are calling on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to act. The protest reflects minority concerns over land rights and the protection of religious property.
Daska (AsiaNews) – The Christian community in Daska, a city in Pakistan's Punjab province, about 100 km from the provincial capital of Lahore, held a demonstration against the alleged encroachment by a government construction project near the historic St. Mark's Church, concerned about the protection of minority property and religious heritage.
Dozens of protesters held a sit-in outside the church, chanting slogans and demanding action by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Participants held up signs urging the authorities to halt construction and ensure the preservation of the site, which community members say dates back to 1882 and retains significant historical and religious significance.
According to Rev Arif Nawab Din, who has served at St. Mark's Church for more than 30 years, the dispute began when government representatives approached church administrators requesting a two kanals of land (around a thousand square metres) for a development project.
The project, the clergyman notes, has since expanded to five or six kanals, without the consent or approval of the church board.
“We are deeply concerned about this development,” Rev Din said in his address to the gathering. “This church is not just a place of worship but a heritage site entrusted to us for future generations. Any expansion without consultation undermines our rights and threatens the sanctity of this place.”
Those present shared the same concerns, stressing the need to safeguard minority rights and religious property.
Amma Bashiran, a 68-year-old protester, appealed directly to the provincial government, calling for immediate action. “We respectfully request the chief minister to take urgent notice of this matter. This property is a trust for our coming generations. The ongoing situation is causing distress among worshippers who want to preserve the dignity and accessibility of this historic church,” she said.
Another protester, Suba Masih, called on authorities to suspend the project until the issue is resolved. “We seek justice, protection, and fairness. The concerned departments must ensure that no development takes place without proper consultation with the community,” he stated.
Members of the Christian community stress that they are law-abiding citizens who contribute to various sectors of society and deserve equal protection under the law.
In their plea, church representatives urged the provincial government to intervene by conducting a transparent investigation to ensure that any development activity complies with legal procedures and the rights of the local community.
The authorities have not yet released a detailed public statement regarding the case. However, recent statements from the Punjab government indicate a broader commitment to addressing land disputes and protecting minority property.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif previously stated that her administration will not allow illegal land occupation and emphasised that minorities are an integral part of local society.
Meanwhile, observers note that such disputes often hinge on documentation, namely land ownership records and regulatory approvals.
Legal experts suggest that a fair resolution requires verification of property titles, clarity on the scope of the proposed project, and, if necessary, judicial intervention.
Still, as tensions continue, community leaders have reiterated their willingness to engage in dialogue but insist that construction activities must be halted until their concerns are addressed.
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29/02/2024 20:15
