News Desk
Lahore, August 16, 2024:
On the first anniversary of the Jaranwala tragedy, Most Rev. Bishop Azad Marshall, Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, took to social media to reflect on the devastating events and to call for justice for the victims. In a heartfelt tweet, Bishop Marshall recounted the horrors witnessed last year as homes, churches, and prayer rooms were set ablaze, leaving behind a trail of destruction and broken lives.
“Last year on this day, I tweeted about the horrors of Jaranwala and alerted millions of people across social media and around the globe to the tragedy that was taking place as homes, churches, and prayer rooms were being burnt to the ground,” Bishop Marshall wrote. “In the days that followed, the world saw the ashes of burnt Bibles and Crosses all over Jaranwala, and we heard the testimony and witnessed the broken hearts of many brothers and sisters and the faithfulness of God.”
Bishop Marshall expressed deep gratitude for the global support that poured in during what he described as a “year of grief and healing” for the Christian community in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for justice to be delivered equally, urging those in power to fulfill their promises.
“May those who promised justice dispense it equally for all, giving the Christians of Pakistan the same hope as afforded to her more privileged population,” he tweeted. “What happened in Jaranwala changed us all and devastated us. May that change mean we will never settle for less than justice.”
Bishop Marshall’s message underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and equality faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly in the aftermath of the Jaranwala attacks. His call to action serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Christian community and their unwavering demand for justice.