A programme organised by Bargad, Pakistan’s biggest NGO for youth development, is attempting to tackle the social stigma Christians face from the word used in the Constitution for them, it was reported in early November.
Isai The Urdu (derived from Isa, the Arabic word for Jesus) now carries strong overtones of uncleanness associated with demeaning occupations. This language feeds the narrative which makes Christians feel like second-class citizens in today’s society.
On 8 October in Lahore, more than 500 Muslim students took an oath that they would not call Christians Isai, but would use the word Masihi (Messiah), which Pakistani Christians prefer as a positive identity for themselves. The students, from various parts of the country, also promised to carry this message to at least 100 other people.
