August 14th marks the day when the Muslim majority provinces of British India were given a separate independent status. The East Pakistan separated and declared independence in 1971, becoming yet another Muslim country, Bangladesh. After 66 years of independent life as a country, the people of Pakistan still face challenges to become a mature nation. In spite of hardships faced as minority, we as Christian citizens thank God for our country and for the freedom we have, relatively more than many Muslim countries. The 1973 constitution of the Pakistan enshrines the following provisions for religious freedom;

Article 20 (a) every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion; and

(b) Every religious denomination and every sect thereof shall have the right to establish, maintain and manage its religious institutions.

A small church organized the first Independence Day program of this year in Rawalpindi on 4th August. The program included thanks giving and prayer day for the Independence Day arranged in a hall of a restaurant in the down town Rawalpindi. There were about 250 people present. I shared from Micah 6:-7-8, and emphasized the desire of God from men, justice, mercy and humility. I challenged the audience to pledge that as Christian citizens, they will do their part for the nation building by arriving at the work in time and fulfilling their duty with honesty. Christian citizens are generally known for their honest work. There are two private sector elite hospitals in the twin cities where a significant number of Christian medical staff is employed. Nevertheless a stark reality exists now which has marred the testimony of Jesus our Lord. It happened that with banning liquor sale for Muslims in the country by the government of prime minister Z.A Bhutto about 40 years ago (in a bid to appease the religious parties, though it did not help him and he was latter hanged for plotting a murder) many poor and unemployed Christians had been pushed to become liquor sellers/supplier to sell illegally to Muslim consumers at a higher price. It is permitted for Christian or any non-Muslim to buy liquor. The famous liquor making factory (owned by a minority Parsi family) is located in Rawalpindi and produces this hard drink for poor 3% minority and few tourists!! How ironic is the law and its implications. It is a constant challenge for pastors to teach the truths of the Word and its implications to those who have been pushed into ungodly ways by forces of politics, poverty, intimidation by majority and greed. The Independence Day celebration is the most suitable day for a interaction with Muslims leadership in the city and ponder on issues faced by Muslims and Christians alike. The pastor of the church mentioned that although there have been incidents of violence against Christians we should pray for those who persecute and pray for blessings for our country. It has been observed that small house churches are more likely to take such initiatives and plan a get together with Muslims at such occasions. House churches are located in closer proximity with Muslims neighbors thus offering more interactions between the two communities. The Muslim member of the Punjab assembly (Muslim League) promised that he would help to provide a community hall in Dhoke Elahi Bukhsh area. He also promised to help for the grave yard for the Christian community.

A prominent experienced journalist highlighted the role of Christian leaders for the struggle for independent country. The decision of Mr. Dewan Bahadur, a Christian and speaker of the British Punjab legislative assembly to use his casting vote to decide for the division of British Punjab into east and west Punjab was instrumental for the creation of Pakistan. Many Muslim members opposed the move and did not vote for the division of Punjab province. He mentioned that no Christian have been found as a traitor in Pakistan. A Muslim social worker (an environmentalist) praised the role played by a Christian teacher in her personal life. She had studied in Beacon House School, an elite English medium school in Pakistan and had also studied overseas. In her words, “He became my mentor and encouraged me to use my talents. I owe him much for the organization I had started. Other teachers did not help me to grow as a person; they could not have done it. In my experience almost all the people who behaved well with me were all Christians”