Islamabad: August 8, 2009. (PCP report) “Pakistani Christians shall observe “Black Day” on August 11, 2009, instead Independence Day of Pakistan on August 14,2009” Bishop Ijaz Inayat announced here today in Karachi.
Bishop Dr. T. Nasir told PCP “We are not celebrating 14th of August and I told the Interfaith Harmony that while our brother and sisters are suffering in so many parts of Pakistan on false allegations under blasphemy laws, it would not be possible for us to take part in 14th August celebration on the blood of our people”
The protests in Islamabad, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, Karachi and Lahore shall mark “Black Day” with prayers, hoisting black flags and rallies by many organizations and civil society leaders.
The sources revealed PCP that some Muslims have also announced protests to arrest Christian accused of blasphemy in village Korian on August 10, 2009, in Gojra where Christian women and children were burnt alive by Muslim militants.
Pakistani Christian in USA have announced here today to hold Press Conference on August 10, at Washington DC and on August 12, 2009, to protest and observe “Black Day” in front of United Nation UN offices in New York.
President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC, President of Pakistani Christian Association in America PCA and Editor of Pakistan Christian Post PCP shall address a Press Conference at National Press Club Washington DC, on August 10, 2009, to condemn atrocities on Pakistani Christian Nation and to observe “Black Day” as solidarity with August 11, 2009, Black Day in Pakistani Christians.
The Pakistani Christian Association in America PCA have announced to hold protest rally in front UN Offices New York on August 12, 2009.
Mr. Taskeen Khan, Secretary General, Christian Social Link (UK) in a press release have announced that
Pakistani Christians shall protest in front of Pakistan High Commission in London, on Tuesday, August, 11, 2009 at 2pm-5pm
Mr. Khan further added “Recent unprovoked horrific attack on Christians in Gojra, Pakistan on the 1st August 2009 has devastated the Christian community around the globe. Many have been left homeless as their houses have been burnt down by outlawed militant groups with local supporters and innocent Christians were burnt alive”
Meanwhile, Canadian Pakistani Christian staged rally to condemn Gojra massacre. A joint protest against the government of Pakistan was held at Queens Park in Toronto led by Raymond Durrani, Aftab Rana, Parvez Sandhu and many more. The effectiveness of the protest was displayed in front of Queens Park at intersection of College Street and University where traffic flows from both ends of the city. Banners were displayed by the protesters and were welcomed by many of the walking traffic and Drivers alike who honked to approve the banners and the steadfastness of the protesters. It was a very positive response from the Torontonians and visitors of the city. Most of the participants wore black ribbons on the left and right Arm below the shoulder to remember the martyrs of Gojra and of the other cities in Pakistan in the Past.