Christians Evicted to Make Room for Earthquake Survivors

Bishop Lobo

The earthquake that hit the Kashmir region of India and Pakistan on October 8 killed thousands and left more than three million homeless. With the urgent need for shelter, Pakistani authorities are reportedly evicting hundreds of Christians from their homes to make room for the homeless.

Bishop Anthony Lobo of Islamabad-Rawalpindi told Catholic news agencies that at least forty families in a district near Joharabad in Sind province were forced out of their homes.  He believes officials prefer this alternative because it saves the time and money needed to erect shelters for the refugees.  Bishop Lobo said, "We are the most vulnerable people, we are very poor and we are easy targets."  Some are seeing this as a slap in the face, as Christians were actively involved in relief operations for those suffering from the earthquake, regardless of their religious affiliation.  Bishop Lobo has begun assembling a legal team to prevent similar evictions in other Christian communities.

Pray that Bishop Lobo will have much wisdom as he deals with the government officials. Pray that he will be able to present convincing arguments for the need to allow families in his area to remain in their homes. Pray that those who have been displaced will find adequate housing and have their physical needs met. Pray that this will actually turn out to be an opportunity to promote the truth of God's Word in Sind province.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, click here.