A makeshift ‘tent city’ on the outskirts of Islamabad, which has become home to Christians who’ve left Pakistan’s capital city in fear after strings of blasphemy allegations and killings, is the subject of a new photo essay by the Associated Press.
Christians are shown living in simple cement-block homes or tents made of plastic sheets on a piece of vacant land. Many face daily discrimination and are forced to take low-paid jobs like cleaning the streets. Blasphemy charges are a constant threat even to children.
Despite the harsh conditions, these Christians have carved out their own lives and, as the essay shows, even established a church.
Orangzaib Maseeh is the pastor of the church, which also serves as a school for the many illiterate residents. “I wish to save my people by providing them faith and some education,” he said.
Source: AP