Pakistan: Church Leaders Support Islamabad Christians Facing Eviction Threats

Church leaders and human rights advocates have expressed concern over eviction notices issued to Christian families living in informal settlements in Pakistan’s capital, as residents face the risk of displacement.

Located in Sector H-9/2, Islamabad, these settlements have become a critical flashpoint as they sit directly in the path of the 10th Avenue project—a high-priority highway expansion the Capital Development Authority (CDA) deems essential for urban de-congestion

Fr. Sylvester Joseph, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima  and a key pastoral presence in the affected communities, has been visiting families and offering spiritual and moral support. These residents make up the core of his congregation.

Alongside him, Tariq Ghouri, diocesan coordinator of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), has been documenting cases and advocating for the rights of residents.

“These families are part of the foundation of this city,” Ghouri said. “Our mission is to ensure that development does not come at the cost of human dignity. We are calling for solutions that recognize their right to shelter.”

The settlements, commonly known as Katchi Abadis, trace their origins to the 1960s when Islamabad was established as Pakistan’s planned capital. At that time, many Christian families migrated to the city to work in sanitation, construction, and domestic services. Despite decades of service, most were not granted legal ownership of the land they occupied.

Today, as urban development projects expand, several of these settlements have been classified as encroachments, placing long-established communities at risk of eviction.

Residents say the uncertainty has affected daily life, but many continue to rely on their faith for strength. Martha, a resident who has lived in the settlement for more than 20 years, said her family remains hopeful despite the situation.

“They can take our house, but not our faith,” she said. “We continue to pray together as a family and trust in God.”

Church-led initiatives have focused on both pastoral care and advocacy. Fr. Sylvester has been organizing prayer gatherings and visiting vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly, while the CCJP continues to engage with authorities and raise awareness about the situation.

Community members also gather regularly for prayer services, reflecting a collective effort to cope with the uncertainty.

Church representatives say they will continue to support affected families through legal, social, and spiritual means as discussions around relocation and housing rights continue.