Henry Gill is a Christian businessman who decided to build the world’s biggest cross in the most unlikely places of the world. At that time, his intent was not apparent but four years later, his dream materialized in the form of a big cross at the Gora Qabristan. The 14 storey cross is at its completion and will be standing towering over thousands of tombstones that are often vandalized.
Gill heard Christians leaving Karachi every few weeks because of threats. He wants the Christians to lead a successful life like him and stay in Karachi. He sees the cross as a symbol of hope. Gill hopes to encourage the Christian community to stay in Karachi.
Gill didn’t inform the workers about the project at the beginning of construction. But about 20 Muslim workers left their work after they realized what they were building. But later on, Muslim and Christians worked together to complete the project. One Muslim man, Mohammad Ali, works on the cross 14 hours a day, seven days a week. Ali referred to the cross as a “work of God” and said he is volunteering out of loyalty to the Gill family.
Gill has made the structure of the cross bulletproof with a 20 feet underground base made of tons and tons of iron and cement. The cross will be polished and a lighting system will be installed. A large inauguration ceremony is intended for the cross amids high profiled guests.
The cross has been receiving mixed reactions from the Pakistani public. Many eye it with suspicion and are not happy about it. They object to the erection of such a monument in a Muslim dominated country, when Muslims are denied such a right in various other places. Some however appreciate this effort and view it as an addition to the diversity of Karachi.