Jaranwala Incident: Unfortunately, on the 16th of August, 2023, many homes of Christian communities living in different part of Jaranwala were attacked and burnt. Ev

Unfortunately, on the 16th of August, 2023, many homes of Christian communities living in different part of Jaranwala were attacked and burnt. Even two Christians were also brutally killed by violent mobs of Muslims.

In a mad chase of their own vested interests many Churches were also demolished indicating severe religious intolerance, widespread fanaticism creating serious problems for the State and system alike in the country. Moreover it should not be wrongly equated with western Islamophobia.

Simply it was attack on Constitution of Pakistan which guarantees provision and protection of basic human rights and necessities of life to all minorities living in the country. It was onslaught on the basic injections of Islam which unconditionally protects lives and properties of minorities in all respects and promotes equality, harmony and social cohesion among different segments of the society.

It was attack on our political system and social fabric that always nurtures ethnic diversity and supports multiculturalism in the country. Thus Jaranwala’s heinous incident has further weakened our secular and social equality roots.

Time and again, human rights organizations and social activists showing their serious concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws in the country giving license to kill in the hands of fanatic wandering souls and roughs of the society.

The entire life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) upheld the importance of the rights of minorities. He chalked out a holistic and comprehensive charter for the safety and security of the minorities which is still relevant and permanent for all Muslims living around the globe. The clergy should play its due role to educate people and promote interfaith harmony and ethnic diversity in the country so that levels of tolerance, decency and good will would be circulated in the society. 

In accordance with the forthcoming official report, the fervent mob in and around Jaranwala set ablaze 19 residences along with 86 other structures, apart from the Christian places of worship. These structures were subjected to conflagration and significant destruction as a result of the tumultuous assault.

According to the report the most substantial devastation occurred within the precincts of the Christian enclave, where 40 edifices and three churches were set ablaze. Moreover, in the locality of Chhota Mandi, two additional churches and 29 structures were also subjected to the ravages of fire, as per the information disclosed.

Two men accused of calling for violence against the minority places of worship in Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, were taken into custody by the police. Now more than 150 alleged culprits have been arrested. Resettlement process has been started and sincere efforts area also being carried out to win the hearts and souls through humanitarian assistance and charity at every level.

As per the police statement, the individual in question, has been identified as Yasin and subsequently arrested. In the recording, the man can be observed using a loudspeaker within a mosque, urging people to congregate. This development has led to his arrest in connection with the incident.

The unfolding of events follows an imperative directive from the provisional government of Punjab, which mandated an inquiry of elevated stature subsequent to a riotous mob's act of igniting multiple churches and desecrating the residences of Christian inhabitants on the aforementioned Wednesday. The authorities have reported the apprehension of more than a hundred individuals in connection with these disturbances.

One of the victim, Perveen Bibi, A resident of Christian colony of Jaranwala told the reporters: “We were all sleeping when the announcements were made in mosque’s loudspeakers at about 5am, inciting the people against us (Christians). As soon as we heard the announcements, we ran for our lives.”

The image of the young Christian boy adorned in distinctive attire for the occasion of "Independence Day," offering solace to his weeping mother, ought to serve as a compelling catalyst capable of stirring the dormant conscience of our nation.

The Pakistan Ulema Council has demanded that the government address the losses incurred by the Christian community. During a meeting Punjab Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government would bear the costs for the restoration of government buildings and properties of the Christian community in Jaranwala, and this process would take the next three to four days. 

He emphasized the need to formulate a long-term plan, urging Muslim scholars to educate people about the teachings of their faith. He reiterated that "We are all Pakistanis, and we must thwart all kinds of conspiracies." He stressed that "There is no room for such incidents in any religion." Befitting compensation claims have been delivered by the Punjab government.

The interim Prime Minister consoled the Christian community by hugging and delivering the cheques for their collateral damages. His sincere sympathies has earned lots of appreciations in and around the globe.

Islam is unequivocal in its stance that violence has no place within its teachings. The essence of this faith is rooted in compassion, peace, and respect for all humanity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified these values through his actions, promoting dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness even in the face of adversity. 

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, underscores the sanctity of life and emphasizes the pursuit of justice through nonviolent means. Acts of violence is against the true teachings and the fundamental principles of Islam. True believers are called upon to uphold the teachings of mercy, kindness, and empathy towards all, reflecting the essence of a faith that rejects violence in all its forms.

The occurrence of this incident is profoundly distressing and disheartening, serving as a stark reminder of the ages of darkness. It stands as an ideal platform to our shared values of compassion, respect, and the recognition of each individual's inherent worth. Such occurrences must not find a place in our collective narrative, for they tarnish the very essence of a just and harmonious society.

Let us unite in our resolve to ensure that such brutal should not be happened again in our society. We should all jointly work to promote understanding, tolerance, and a commitment to nurturing an environment where every person is treated with dignity and accorded the security they deserve.

This article is written by Yushe Hassan Khan. The views expressed are her own views and do not represent/views of the Youth Diplomacy Forum.

Jaranwala Incident: A personal reflection

1 Comment