ASIA/PAKISTAN - In memory of the Christian couple burnt alive: education to their children

Monday, 20 November 2017 islam blasphemy religious minorities religious freedom freedom of conscience christianity extremism education solidarity human rights

CICF

PAKISTAN

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Lahore (Agenzia FIdes) - "Two innocent lives were eliminated due to the fanaticism present in our society; the horror of that unfortunate day will remain in our hearts and minds for years to come, not only did they burn two precious lives in that furnace: they burned humanity, burned the teachings of Islam and burned the Pakistan of Ali Jinnah, and no monetary compensation can expiate such extreme acts of violence", says to Agenzia Fides Michelle Chaudhry, lay Catholic, president of the "Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation" (CICF), a Foundation that takes care of the education and care of the three orphaned children of Shama and Shahzad Masih, the two spouses (she was a Catholic, he was a Protestant Christian) who were brutally tortured and burned alive in a brick furnace in Kot Radha Kishan on November 4, 2014: the two were lynched by a crowd of Muslims accusing them of blasphemy. That incident created a wave of horror not only in Pakistan, but in the whole world.
Shama and Shahzad left three very small children, terrified and confused. Their elder son, Suleiman, witnessed the barbaric assassination of his parents. Since then, the Foundation has taken on the responsibility of educating the three children, and all the expenses involved: school fees, private lessons, books, uniforms, school backpacks, extracurricular expenses, travel, food, medical care. The Foundation also grants a monthly financial contribution to the grandfather (with whom the children live) for any daily schooling needs.
Michelle Chaudhry points out to Fides: "Three years after their death, it gives us immense joy and spiritual gratification to see these children happy and confident. We are happy to be actively involved in their lives and to see them grow at a personal and educational level, thanks to the love and care received, they are now well-adjusted in school, and actively participate in educational and non-curricular activities".
Chaudhry reiterates: "It is the government's responsibility to ensure the security and protection of all citizens, regardless of faith, ethnicity or culture. This is what we ask the government of Pakistan, as stated in the Constitution of Pakistan."
The Foundation thanks all the supporters and, as an independent, non-profit Catholic organization, continues to commit itself to eradicating injustice from Pakistani society, defending the disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized groups within the nation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/11/2017)