Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - A footwear company on the market in Pakistan has spread models of shoes that bear on the back the design of the Cross: the phenomenon has generated strong protests and a boycott campaign of the Christian community in Pakistan. Fr. Joseph Louis, a Catholic priest of the Church of Mary Immaculate in Lahore, wrote to the authorities and asked to register an official complaint for blasphemy toward the Christian religion. "It is a fact that seriously humiliates and hurts Christians. We ask the authorities to take immediate action to respect the values and Christian religious symbols", explains Fr. Louis to Fides.
The "Pakistan Minorities Movement," which promotes the equal rights of all citizens in the nation, has launched a campaign of protest and boycott, with many activists demonstrating in front of shops that sell these shoes, noting "the subtle insult to want to put on one’s feet the most significant symbol of Christianity". As reported to Fides, the movement has obtained the registration of a "First Information Report" against Ajub Gull, a shoe factory owner, in Anarkali Police Station, for violation of Article 295a of the Criminal Code (which punishes offenses against any religious symbol).
Many other Christian organizations, such as "Masihi Foundation", have been active and are promoting a campaign to raise public awareness, announcing that they will take all legal actions necessary to withdraw the products from the market. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/12/2011)
