KARACHI: Amidst the tyranny faced by religious minorities in the country, symbols of hope and perseverance are cropping up to challenge the various extremist elements within the state. One such example is of the 140-foot-high cross, a mixture of steel, iron and cement, under construction at one of Karachi’s oldest Christian cemeteries, Gora Qabaristan. This cross symbolises the hopes of millions of Christians living in Pakistan, and in extension all minorities that have lost loved ones to the rising tide of extremism, and yearn for better times ahead.

Businessman Parvez Henry Gill is the man behind the project. Wary of the violence and abuse rampant, Gill’s belief in the power of love and harmony manifests itself in this project; the aim to promote a sense of tolerance in the violence-prone city.

Construction that has been under way for over a year will be complete within a few weeks. Marble will then be used to cover the entire structure. Some claim it will be the largest cross in Asia, specifically in any Muslim country. Its distinguishing feature is the fact that it will be bulletproof, befitting the city it is being constructed in.

Anwar Sardar, secretary administration of the Karachi Christian Cemeteries Board, spoke with guarded words, about the significance of the cross. “This is just an attempt to exhibit the religious diversity of Pakistan as it might help to dispel the fear that pervades us all with the increasing attacks on religious minorities.” Be it the twin blasts at All Saint’s Church in Peshawar, or a mob burning alive a Christian couple over accusations of blasphemy, the Christian community across the country has suffered greatly over the years.

“Mr Gill came to us with the idea about the cross and we extended permission to begin construction. He does frequent the site and is involved in every aspect of the project,” he added.

Placed strategically at one of the entrances of the cemetery, the towering structure, in its final stages of completion, looks practically abandoned. It is only when you hold up your gaze, despite the scorching sun, that two tiny figures become visible, busy at work right at the top of the cross. In their construction gear completed by the yellow hard hat, the men toiled away seemingly oblivious to the high temperatures they worked in.

Construction began with a large pool of workers but has now dwindled down to two. According to conflicting reports, some lay blame on mediocre labourers, while others confess that workers were simply afraid to be part of the project. Despite taking pride in their work, the two workers at the site were unwilling to reveal much. The sense of fear among all involved in the project was apparent, as even Mr Gill was unwilling to address queries about his project.

Mr Sardar highlighted the need of risk-free working conditions for the labourers. However, he said: “No one has gotten hurt in the process as the conditions are very safe to work in.

“One recurring problem that we faced was raw material being stolen time and again.”

Choosing Gora Qabaristan as ground zero for the project allows a large cross-section of society to access and behold it. Visible from a distance, the symbolism behind it is to remind all of the magnanimity of the divine and allow one’s worries to slip away.

However, what is conspicuous is the lack of security around the structure. No arrangements have been made with regards to safeguarding the workers or the structure itself against a potential attack, and its placement right at the outset of the cemetery makes it extremely vulnerable. This adds to the criticism that the structure has evoked among many in the Christian community and beyond, about the unnecessary exposure that may not bode well for the community. However, this threat has not deterred the project from its completion.

An unveiling ceremony is in the works and a formal announcement is to be made once the cross is completed. Members of all religious communities as well as leading figures are to be invited.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2015

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