Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR — : Bishop Humphrey Sarfraz Peter of the Diocese of Peshawar, accompanied by senior lawyer Muazam Butt, has called upon the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police and relevant authorities to take immediate and impartial action over what he described as the alleged forced entry into diocesan premises, damage to church property and desecration of a Christian place of worship.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Bishop Peter alleged that, despite a court injunction remaining in force, the Assistant Commissioner Peshawar Cantonment, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, facilitated the entry of a group allegedly brought from Raiwind and Sialkot into the Diocese of Peshawar.
According to the Bishop, locks at diocesan premises were broken, offices were damaged and members of the group were provided shelter inside the premises. He further alleged that CCTV cameras installed at the diocesan offices were damaged and that the recording equipment was taken away by the Assistant Commissioner Peshawar Cantonment.
Bishop Peter said that more than two weeks had passed since an application was submitted seeking registration of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged incident, but no FIR had yet been registered.
Senior lawyer Muazam Butt called for an independent and impartial investigation, emphasizing that the Constitution of Pakistan protects the rights of religious communities and that no individual or authority should unlawfully interfere in religious affairs. He urged the provincial government to provide legal protection to the Diocese of Peshawar and take action against anyone found responsible for unlawful entry or damage to religious property.
Bishop Peter specifically expressed concern over the alleged breaking of locks at St. John’s Cathedral Church, Peshawar, describing the incident as deeply distressing for the Christian community and an alleged violation of the sanctity of a place of worship.
He further alleged that the disputed group from Raiwind and Sialkot was being supported by influential political figures and certain members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). He maintained that the Diocese of Peshawar is responsible for the management and protection of Christian properties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through authorized representatives of the Lahore Diocese Trust Association.
The Bishop also disputed claims concerning representation of the Church of Pakistan, stating that the Diocese of Peshawar and Diocese of Lahore had separated from the existing union because of what he described as unconstitutional and unlawful actions. He rejected what he characterized as an attempt to bring individuals from outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and present them as representatives of the Church of Pakistan in the province.
Bishop Peter additionally alleged that police had raided or harassed the residence of Shahid Younas of Mardan, whom he said had been selected as Bishop for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He called for an end to political interference and pressure on Christian clergy.
Bishop Humphrey Sarfraz Peter appealed to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Commander Peshawar, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take immediate notice of the matter, ensure protection of religious property, uphold court orders and facilitate a transparent investigation into the allegations.
The Diocese urged all relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect religious freedom and ensure that any dispute concerning church property or representation is resolved through lawful and constitutional mechanisms rather than force or administrative pressure.
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