Assessing the Educational Challenges Faced by Pakistani Christians
In order to provide opportunities for religious minorities. In 2018, the Higher Education Department of the Punjab Government allocated 2% educational quota for minority students in the public sector universities across Punjab. But the data of 2023-24 shows that 89 seats out of 484 total seats were filled in 12 universities out of 50 public sector universities. While 395 seats remained vacant.
The educational situation for Pakistani Christians is challenging and marked by several issues, including limited access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. Christian students face discrimination from teachers and classmates, leading to a hostile learning environment. Christians in Pakistan have limited access to scholarships and financial aids due to lack of awareness and knowledge. Christian students are required to study Islamiat as a part of their curriculum. Educational textbooks often contains anti-Christian and anti-minorities material. Christian students have high drop-out rates due to discrimination, poverty and lack of support. Pakistani Christians face barriers in accessing higher education, particularly in reputed institutions due to lack of financial resources.
Pakistani Christians face various challenges and difficulties in their daily lives. Christians are often treated as second-class citizens, facing discrimination in education, employment and business. Christians are vulnerable to attacks on their places of worship and residence. They are often accused of false blasphemy crimes. Christian minor girls are often forced to convert to Islam and marry Muslim men. Christians are disproportionately accused under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws, punishable by life imprisonment or death.
Christians have limited political representation and faces severe identity crises in the society. These people mostly live in poverty, with limited access to basic amenities of life like clean water, sanitation and healthcare. Christians in Pakistan are targeted by extremist groups, who view them as "infidels" or "enemies of Islam". Christians are often forced to flee their homes due to violence and threats, leading to mass social fear. These challenges require attention and strong actions from the government, civil society and International community to ensure the safety, dignity and equality of Pakistani Christians.
The history of Pakistani Christians dates back to the 1st century AD, when Christianity spread to the Indian subcontinent:
1. Early Christianity (1st-10th century): Christianity at first arrived in the region through Thomas the Apostle of Christ.
2. Portuguese Colonial Era (16th-19th century): Portuguese missionaries converted locals to Christianity, establishing churches and schools.
3. British Colonial Era (19th-20th century): British missionaries expanded Christian education, healthcare and social services.
4. Partition and Independence (1947): Pakistan was created as a Muslim-majority state, with Christians becoming a minority.
5. Post-Independence Era (1947-1970s): Christians faced discrimination, but maintained a relatively peaceful existence.
6. Islamization (1970s-1980s): Pakistan’s Islamization policies led to increased persecution, misuse of blasphemy laws and forced conversions.
7. Modern Era (1990s-present): Christians face ongoing challenges, including violence, discrimination and marginalization.
Some of the noteable events in this case include:
- 1972: Pakistan’s constitution declares Islam the state religion.
- 1985: Blasphemy laws are introduced, targeting Christians and other religious minorities.
- 1998: Bishop John Joseph protests blasphemy laws by self-immolation.
- 2009: Gojra riots result in Christian homes and churches being burned, killing 7 Christians.
- 2010: Asia Bibi ~ A Christian woman falsely accused of blasphemy was sentenced to death, later acquitted.
- 2013: Peshawar church bombing kills over 80 Christians.
- 2013: Over 100 Christian homes and businesses burned down in Badami Bagh, Lahore.
- 2015: Two churches in Yohannabad were bombed resulting 17 killed and over 80 Christians injured.
- 2017: 9 Christians were killed in a church attack in Quetta.
- 2023: Over 24 churches and 89 Christian houses were destroyed and looted in Jaranwala on a blasphemy rumour.
These incidents demonstrate the severe persecution faced by Pakistani Christians.
Christians are deliberately falsely accused for blasphemies due to personal grudges or enmeties. Christians in Pakistan are facing intense marginalization in the shape of exclusion from legislation and government positions. Anti-Christian sentiment is fueled through media and public discourse. Authorities often fail to protect Christians from violence and persecution.
Being a Christian in Pakistan can be a challenging and precarious experience. Christians live with the constant fear of persecution, violence and discrimination. The threat of blasphemy laws hangs over Christians, making them cautious about expressing their faith. Pakistani Christians feel ashamed of their faith due to societal pressure and stigma. Christians have very less voices in provincial and federal governments. Despite these challenges, Pakistani Christians remain resilient and faithful by finding strength in their community.
Improving education for Pakistani Christians requires some of the following steps, spreading awareness to church leaders in the big cities so they encourage students to apply for this measly 2% quota seats, building more schools and educational institutions in Christian-majority areas. Providing more scholarships and financial aids to Christian students. Train Christian teachers and staff to fullfil educational needs. Making safe learning environments; ensuring safety and security in schools. Promote inclusivity and address discrimination in educational institutions. Offer vocational training and skills development programs. Establish advocacy groups to promote Christian education rights. Foster interfaith dialogue and understanding in educational Institutions.
By following these steps, education for Pakistani Christians can be improved and empowered to reach their full potential.