Pakistani Christians reluctant to reveal faith in census for fear of persecution

Some Pakistani Christians are hesitant to reveal their faith in the upcoming national census for fear that they will be persecuted.

The watchdog group British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) is highlighting the importance of the census for the Christian community as it could potentially raise the representation of Christians in the government.

"We are urging Christian groups on the ground to get as many Christians as possible to make sure they are registered as Christians for the census, because a true representation of the numbers strengthens the case for better representation in government and the quota system," said BPCA Chairman Wilson Chowdhry, according to The Christian Post.

He noted that in previous censuses, there have been reports that Christians have been falsely registered as Muslims by agents who were supposed to assist illiterate Christians with their applications.

Chowdhry further noted that some Christians are afraid to register due to their concern that it could result in persecution. Others were simply not approached by census agents and know nothing about the process, he added.

Pakistani Christians have been the frequent targets of the country's blasphemy laws, forced marriages and even mob attacks.

Earlier this month, Pakistan's National Assembly passed a bill that is aimed at curbing sectarianism and persecution of minorities. The legislation, which awaits the signature of the president, seeks to punish those who take part in lynchings as well as those who coerce women into marriages.

Chowdhry said at the time that the new legislation may be "simply lip service." He explained that laws against mob violence already exist but are rarely implemented.

"It is the implementation of the laws that is the crux of the problem, with a lack of desire from police due to a rife bribery culture and animosity toward 'ritually impure' Christians," he added.

BPCA said that the census could also increase the number of government jobs given to minorities under the affirmative action quota system. Chowdhry said that it is difficult to determine the exact number of Christians, but he argued that it is "significantly higher" than what is indicated in the government statistics.

Aside from encouraging Christians to register on the census, Chowdhry also urged the Christian community "keep its own tally to hold the government to account on this issue."