News Desk
Lahore, August 16, 2024:
The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) hosted a program in Lahore to mark the first anniversary of the devastating events in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023. During this incident, over 25 churches and numerous homes were attacked, looted, and set ablaze, leaving hundreds of families traumatized. A year later, justice remains elusive.
The program brought together government officials, civil society organizations, and community members to address the rise of extremism and the ongoing struggles of religious minorities in Pakistan. Participants called for urgent action and deliberated on potential solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
A significant number of attendees, including civil society representatives and youth, gathered in solidarity with the victims, demanding accountability and justice. The event also featured testimonies from those who continue to suffer from social, economic, and religious discrimination as a result of the attacks.
Experts at the event discussed various issues, including the implementation of Article 10 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees a fair trial for all citizens. Updates on the legal progress of the Jaranwala cases were also provided.
A mental health expert highlighted the psychological impact of such incidents on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and proposed strategies to help victims rebuild their lives and restore their faith in humanity.
The program was addressed by several prominent figures, including Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayyat, and NCHR Commissioner Nadeem Ashraf. Other speakers, such as Hina Jilani, Irfan Mufti, Peter Jacob, Asad Jamal, Rev. Fr. James Channan, Tahir Bashir, Rabia Mehmood, and Katherine Sapna, discussed the rising extremism, the misuse of laws against religious minorities, and possible solutions.
The event underscored the need for continued efforts to protect religious minorities in Pakistan and to ensure that justice is served for the victims of Jaranwala.