Protesters in London Rally Against Attacks on Churches in Pakistan
A group of demonstrators gathered outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Monday to denounce the increasing incidents of church burnings and desecrations, as well as attacks on the Christian community in Pakistan. The protesters claimed that their demonstration was specifically in response to a barbaric assault on 21 churches and hundreds of Christian homes in Jaranwala, Pakistan, which had been triggered by allegations of Quran desecration.
The primary objective of the protesters was to demand justice for the heinous crimes committed against the Christian community. Their efforts come after a recent incident in which a young Christian was arrested by Pakistani authorities under blasphemy laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. The arrest was made due to the youth reposting and sharing alleged hate material.
According to Dawn News, the material shared by the youngster played a significant role in inciting violence against the Christian community in Jaranwala. As a result of the recent surge in violence, 19 churches were completely destroyed and 89 Christian homes were burnt down in the area. A fact-finding report by the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) confirmed these figures.
The HRFP report revealed that during the attack on churches and Christians in Jaranwala on August 16, two churches, as well as several prayer rooms and community halls, sustained damage. Additionally, 89 Christian homes, including those belonging to pastors and priests, were completely destroyed, while 15 others were partially damaged. The report further stated that over 10,000 Christians had sought refuge in sugar cane fields and other locations during the initial nights of the attack.
The fact-finding team from HRFP conducted interviews with over 150 victims, families, church leaders, political workers, and other stakeholders to gather direct information and evidence about the incidents. The team observed that looting had taken place, with household items being stolen and the rest of the homes set on fire. Fortunately, most of the affected individuals managed to escape on time, although many now face traumatic conditions, with some sustaining injuries and women reporting abuses. Many of them expressed fear and reluctance to return to their homes.
The situation in Jaranwala has highlighted the urgent need to address religious persecution and provide aid and support to the affected Christian community. The HRFP report emphasizes the importance of immediate assistance and long-term efforts to help the victims rebuild their lives.
In summary, protesters in London rallied against the attacks on churches in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the recent violence in Jaranwala. They called for justice for the victims and demanded that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes be held accountable. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities and the pressing need to protect their rights and ensure their safety.
