ICC Note:

Christians in Khanewal, Pakistan have complained that local authorities have allowed their only graveyard to deteriorate to a state of disrepair. The Christians also claim that in two years time, there will be no more space in the graveyard to bury their dead. Christians in Pakistan often face discrimination and are forced to live on the fringes of society. This often means Christians live in slums where social services and proper infrastructure is available. Will local authorities finally hear these Christians complaints or will they continue to ignore them because of their religious identity?  

10/27/2016 Pakistan (Christians in Pakistan) – A deteriorating cemetery in use by four thousand Christians faces authorities’ negligence. The Khurram Pura graveyard falls under the jurisdiction of District Khanewal’s Municipal Authority and has been constantly deteriorating over the past thirty years while no restorative measures had been taken up by the concerned authorities.

The boundary wall of the cemetery has fallen at several points; while someone has also stolen the main gate. Authorities have made no arrangements for a new gate. Amir Suneel, a local Christian, says there is no electricity connected to the graveyard and that water required for the graves and related work has to be brought from a distant place as there is no water connection.

Another Local Christian, David Qamar, said that local MNA Muhammad Khan Daha was contacted repeatedly but has overlooked the matter, despite the fact that he had pledged to allocate funds for restoring the boundary wall, providing electricity and providing water connections.

“This burial land is spread over almost one acre,” said Irshad Masih. “Yet we are facing lack of space for burials.” He said that after two years’ time, it would be impossible to find a burial place here. He urged the government to allocate land for Christians’ graveyard.

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