03/11/2022 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – The Pakistan government appointed the National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority earlier this month to supervise both the education system and the media to ensure that the institutions are adhering to Islamic values. Additionally, the Prime minister of Pakistan hopes to use the Authority to raise global awareness of Islamophobia, saying that steps need to be taken and the practice is “a journey of transformation towards morality and ethics.” Islamic “morality and ethics” are not shared by every citizen in Pakistan, especially the persecuted Christians living there. Catholic priests in the country have lent their voice to the activists concerned over what the Authority is calling “Islamization.”
A priest and former executive secretary of the Catholic bishops’ National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) is suggesting other solutions that emphasize the rule of law, not Islamic fundamentalism. He told UCA News, “we don’t need another body. Instead, the authorities should focus on the implementation of the law. At present, they are not doing their job properly. Resources should be spent on countering the fundamentalist groups and addressing the very problem.” He went on to describe how challenging it is to be rid of an Authority like this once it is implemented, “This is being done right from the time of military ruler Zia-ul-Haq and has been growing. Once fanned, these elements spread like a dangerous disease that becomes difficult to eradicate.”
A Lay Dominican in Pakistan called the formation of this body a political stunt and called for the government to address the real issues. He told UCA News, “Instead of promoting one religion, the premier should address structural issues of extremism, inflation, poverty, economic disparities, and increasing class differences. We demand an alternative ‘love to all’ or ‘love your neighbor’ authority.” This National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority will force the values of Islam on the religious minorities living in the country, which will surely lead to harsher persecution.
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