ICC Note:
Some Christians in Pakistan have expressed fear of future persecution if they reveal their religious identity in the upcoming national census. Christian leaders are encouraging all of Pakistan’s Christians to insure they are properly counted in the census. These leaders hope that Christians and other religious minorities will receive greater representation in the nation’s government if a proper count of their community is conducted. Unfortunately, Muslim converts to Christianity, who face much persecution, will still have to hide their true religious identity. Conversion from Islam in Pakistan is still taboo and can have deadly consequences. Will the upcoming national census take an accurate count of Pakistan’s Christian community? 
02/28/2017 Pakistan (The Christian Times) – Some Pakistani Christians are hesitant to reveal their faith in the upcoming national census for fear that they will be persecuted.
The watchdog group British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) is highlighting the importance of the census for the Christian community as it could potentially raise the representation of Christians in the government.
“We are urging Christian groups on the ground to get as many Christians as possible to make sure they are registered as Christians for the census, because a true representation of the numbers strengthens the case for better representation in government and the quota system,” said BPCA Chairman Wilson Chowdhry, according to The Christian Post.
He noted that in previous censuses, there have been reports that Christians have been falsely registered as Muslims by agents who were supposed to assist illiterate Christians with their applications.
Chowdhry further noted that some Christians are afraid to register due to their concern that it could result in persecution. Others were simply not approached by census agents and know nothing about the process, he added.
Pakistani Christians have been the frequent targets of the country’s blasphemy laws, forced marriages and even mob attacks.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a bill that is aimed at curbing sectarianism and persecution of minorities. The legislation, which awaits the signature of the president, seeks to punish those who take part in lynchings as well as those who coerce women into marriages.
Chowdhry said at the time that the new legislation may be “simply lip service.” He explained that laws against mob violence already exist but are rarely implemented.
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