News Desk
Lahore, Pakistan – January 21, 2024 Minority Rights Activist Joseph Jansen and Akmal Bhatti, Chairman of Minority Alliance Pakistan (MAP), visited Jaranwala to address the aftermath of an incident that occurred on August 16, 2023. This day is remembered by the Christian community as a day of terror when religious freedom was allegedly attacked.
On August 16, 2023, a large group of approximately 7,000 individuals, identified as a Muslim mob, reportedly stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district. They vandalized buildings and set multiple churches on fire over allegations of blasphemy, accusing two local Christians of desecrating the Holy Quran. The incident fueled hateful speeches, spreading fear and panic in the community.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, a significant number of the initial 350 arrests have been released on bail, with only 25 percent remaining incarcerated, according to police data. Shockingly, some of those released on bail are reported to be issuing death threats to Christians, creating an atmosphere of fear.
The repercussions are substantial, with Christians losing jobs and some forced to close their businesses. The situation has escalated to the point where some Christians feel unable to purchase groceries from Muslim stores, and there are concerns about visiting Muslim-owned establishments.
As the Christian community marked Christmas on December 25, 2023, they continued to grapple with the aftermath of the attack. The trauma remains palpable, with even a scream on the street triggering flashbacks to the day when their belongings were destroyed.
Joseph Jansen emphasized the urgent need for justice, stating, “Our local partner, Minority Alliance Pakistan, is actively leading around 10 cases in the courts, demonstrating resilience and commitment to seeking justice for the affected community.” He called on all stakeholders to collaborate extensively to restore harmony between the communities in Jaranwala and work towards a future where religious freedom is respected and protected for all.