Empowering Christian Communities in Khyber District

The Christian communities present in Pakistan and Afghanistan are among the most vulnerable communities in the region. Due to the intense discrimination they face from the broader community, they face threats of physical violence and limited employment opportunities. Several deadly attacks targeting Christians have claimed hundreds of innocent lives in recent years; furthermore, many Christians are restricted to low-paid professions, often in the sanitation sector.  Nusrat, a member of the Christian community in Khyber District, spoke to members of Decoding Barriers about how religious persecutation has restricted her from receiving employment and being able to provide for her family. She is one of many Christians who feel unsafe, undervalued, and underrepresented in the greater public.

Members of Decoding Barriers visited the Christian community in Peshawar on Christmas Eve. The community was the victim of the Peshawar Church Bombing, impacting over 600 members and killing more than 100.  The long-term psychological effects of the attack on the community continue to persist to this day, as many of the students who attended the school within the All Saints Church were forced to drop out and lost their family members in the attack. They met with Christian community leaders (names would be helpful) to understand how we could best support them in creating an inclusive, safe environment in which students can realize their professional aspirations. 

Dr. Samina and Naheed Rehman providing presents to children

In accordance with their faith, the Christian community in Peshawar celebrates Christmas. However, due to limited financial resources, many Christian parents are often unable to participate in the customary exchanging of presents and bountiful holiday dinners often accompanied by mass. Natasha Khan, one of the members of Decoding Barriers, partnered with community members to provide a Christmas gift exchange and cake. Supporting and participating in the events hosted by the Christian community has enabled members of Decoding Barriers to develop bonds with many of the children who have feared persecution due to their faith. 

Dr. Samina providing presents (faces blurred for privacy protection)

Exposing the devastating impact practices such as bonded labor and discriminatory attacks have on the future of bright children and promoting Christian children to pursue careers beyond the professions they have been confined to is of the utmost importance. Decoding Barriers continues to engage with the Christian community of Peshawar to support them in these longer-term projects in addition to collaborating with them to foster a welcoming environment for their youth. 

     To learn more about Decoding Barriers and how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.decodingbarriers.org.