Christian Pakistan Professor Refuses to Deny His Faith - June 29, 2010

Samuel John has been a psychology professor at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan for the past 12 years.  Earlier this month he was attacked by Muslim students after he refused to convert it Islam in spite of their threats.  When he left his home on the morning of June 14, he was rushed and assaulted by a group of 20-25 students.

The Professor told Compass Direct that “I shouted for help but no one came.”  When his wife ran to help him, they beat her as well.  The couple were taken to Lady Reading Hospital where they were treated for their injuries.  John was listed in critical condition.  The police refused to register a First Information Report on the incident.

Following his release from the hospital, the threats continued.  John said “I am still getting threats.  They say, ‘Leave the university or accept Islam – if you don’t convert, we will kill your family.’”

A month prior to the beating incident, five students had visited Professor John.  They told him “Professor, you are a good teacher and a good human being, please convert to Islam and we will provide you with everything you need. Surprised, John replied “Why do you want me to convert? I am a Christian, and Jesus Christ is my Saviour – He provides me with everything.”

At that point one of the students became angry and threatened “Don’t forget that you are a family man.”  John replied “I am not scared of anyone.  God will protect me and my family.”

The incident was reported to the dean of the University of Peshawar, but according to John the dean was unable to do anything because the Islamic student councils are supported by political parties and powerful Islamic groups.

With his family worried, fellow professors threatened to go on strike in support, demanding an apology from the students. They said “This is a university, no one will be allowed to take the law in their hands – we are professors and teach everyone and do not discriminate by religion, caste, creed or color.”

No action was ever taken against the students and the intimidation continued.  Islamic student groups threw stones at the John house, sent threatening letters and threatened his family over the phone.

 

It has been suggested that the catalyst for the attacks was the recent honour that John had received for best results in psychology at colleges throughout the province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.  Christian sources suggest that Muslim professors and students were upset that a Christian professor was getting so much attention.

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