The Washington DC-based Centre for Pluralism, which claims to promote pluralism in religion, politics, societies, and the workplace, and works mainly among South Asians settled in the US, has condemned what it has called “the shameful act of a Pakistani NGO for denying food to Hindus and Christians during the Corona epidemic.”
Dr Mike Ghouse, founder-president of the Center for Pluralism, called it “a disgusting act”, stating, “Pakistan claims to be an Islamic country, but its behaviour is not Islamic. Prophet Muhammad had said, “When you eat stomach full and let your neighbour go hungry, you are not among my followers.”
Dr Ghouse said, it is “shame on Karachi’s Saylani Welfare Trust” for having refused food assistance to Hindus and Christians, arguing that the aid is reserved for Muslims alone. “They need to learn about Islam; from the very first chapter to the 114th chapter of the Quran, God addresses humanity and not any particular group.”
Examples abound where a woman of the street (sinner) sees a thirsty dog, and she goes around and finds water and saves the dog, and per the Prophet, her sins will be forgiven. Quran adds, saving a life is like saving the whole of humanity.
Urging Prime Minister Imran Khan to “put a stop to this nonsense and restore sanity”, Dr Ghouse said, “Every Pakistani should have equal rights and equal access to food and water. Evil acts continue not because of the wicked people, but because reasonable people don’t speak up.” He added, “Khan wanted to model Pakistan after the Madinah Treaty, where all citizens were treated with dignity and respect and had the freedom to practice their faith. It is time for Khan to walk the talk.”
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