ASIA/PAKISTAN - A year from the violence against Christians in Jaranwala, the urgency for justice

Lahore (Fides News Agency) - Government officials, civil society organizations and members of the Christian community remembered and celebrated the first anniversary of the violence that took place in Jaranwala, a town in Pakistani Punjab, on August 16, 2023. Having been accused of alleged blasphemy by a local Christian, over twenty-five churches and hundreds of Christian homes were sacked and set on fire, leaving hundreds of families traumatized, and deprived of everything they owned. As the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation in Lahore - active in supporting affected families - recalled, "a year from the tragic events, justice remains elusive".
At the meeting the Foundation organized in Lahore, the experts discussed various issues, such as the implementation of Article 10 of the Constitution, which guarantees all citizens a fair trial; Article 25, which supports equality of citizenship before the law; Article 36, which guarantees the protection of the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
The representatives of various civil society organizations also expressed their concerns about the growing extremism, reiterating the State's responsibility to protect vulnerable segments of society.
The meeting also presented statements from the Jaranwala victims, who continue to suffer social, economic and religious discrimination as a result of the attacks. A very important factor to consider - as noticed - is the psychological damage and trauma, which is rarely taken into account. A mental health expert shared details of the effects of such incidents on vulnerable groups, women and children in particular, and discussed ways to tackle these challenges to restore faith in humanity, and help the victims to rebuild their lives. Participants called for urgent action and discussed possible solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future, joining the demand for justice for the victims of Jaranwala.
Michelle Chaudhry, Catholic, President of the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) said: "A year from the violence, there is still suffering in Jaranwala. On that unfortunate day in Jaranwala, not only were houses and churches burned, the principles of humanity were burned, hope, trust and dreams were burned. Ali Jinnah's Pakistan was burned, and none of the culprits were brought to justice. It is clear that the State has failed to protect Christian families in Jaranwala. The time has come for authorities to play their part in protecting the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their faith. Those responsible for these insane acts of violence must be judged by the law. We cannot allow this to continue; impunity in the face of violence in Pakistan must end. ”
"I will take this opportunity to thank all our friends in Pakistan and around the world: their generosity has allowed us to provide every possible assistance to the traumatized families in Jaranwala," added Michelle Chaudhry, reiterating that her organization remains committed to fighting injustice, religious intolerance and violence against society's oppressed.
(PA) (Fides News Agency 26/8/2024)

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