Pakistan Mob Forces Disabled Christian To Accept Islam; Threaten Family
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – Islamic hardliners are threatening the family of a mentally disabled Christian man in Pakistan who was forced to “convert” to Islam, Christians say.
The troubles began when Adnan Bashir left his home in Gujjar Khan in Punjab province on April 14, according to sources familiar with the situation.
After wandering from his home, he reportedly encountered a protest by members of the hardline Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Party.
The protesters forced the vulnerable Christian to publicly recite the Islamic creed signifying conversion to Islam. The “conversion” was recorded and posted on social media.
Adnan reportedly told his family that his former employer offered him sherbet, a popular sweet in Pakistan, on the condition he joined the demonstrators and recited the creed.
After watching the events online, Muslims asked Adnan’s relatives when the rest of the family would embrace Islam, Christians said.
FAMILY THREATENED
Some threatened the family with “serious consequences” if they “force” Adnan to revert to Christianity. Hardliners warned that “apostasy” is punishable by death in Pakistan, the family said.
Adnan’s brother Fayyaz told Christian media that members of the TLP party are monitoring the movements of the family members. “Our lives have become miserable due to the threats and surveillance by TLP activists,” he
said.
“We can neither seek help from the police, nor any other government or religious leader, because everyone is fearful of the TLP. This matter can easily be turned into a religious issue, ” he added in published remarks.
Supporters of the family said they hope Christians will pray for “safety and guidance” for the family in the Islamic nation.
Christians and Hindus comprise less than 3.6 percent of Pakistan’s nearly 240-million people, who are mainly Muslim.
Devoted Christians have complained about increased Islamic opposition, and several are in jail for alleged blasphemy against Islam.
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