Addressing a press conference on Monday at the Faisalabad Press Club, Chairman of the Movement for All-Pakistan (MAP) Akmal Bhatti emphasized that minorities have historically contributed to the country's progress. However, he highlighted that since 1947, the state has consistently denied them their fundamental rights.
On August 16, he pointed out, the global audience witnessed how Christians were left vulnerable to miscreants while the police remained passive as charged mobs looted their possessions and set their homes ablaze.
Bhatti further highlighted that every church in the town was plundered and set on fire, casting shame on the government for its apparent helplessness. He noted that blasphemy laws were frequently exploited against religious minorities, and such incidents have recently escalated.
Demand for inquiry and accountability
Bhatti called for a reevaluation of policies to eliminate religious extremism and address the sense of insecurity among minorities caused by the incidents in Jaranwala. He criticized the Punjab government for its reluctance to assign responsibility for the incident, urging a transparent investigation to provide justice. He expressed concerns that innocent Christians might be wrongly accused.
Representing Jaranwala's Christian community, Bhatti demanded a judicial commission led by a high court judge to ensure an impartial and transparent inquiry into the Jaranwala incident. He called for the apprehension of those directly involved in the violence and their accomplices. He stressed the importance of involving the victims in identifying the perpetrators, conducting a comprehensive damage assessment, and providing fair compensation without bias. Additionally, he urged the government to recognize the Jaranwala incident as a national tragedy.
Civil society condemns violence
A civil society meeting convened at the Aurat Foundation's office on Monday strongly condemned the violent attacks on the Christian community and churches in Jaranwala.
Sara Anum, the resident director of the Aurat Foundation, asserted that there is no place for such acts of intolerance and extreme behavior within society.
Nabeela Shaheen also expressed strong condemnation of the Jaranwala violence, deeming it deeply tragic and unacceptable. The violent mob not only targeted churches but also attacked the residences of Christian community members.
Participants of the meeting conveyed their condolences, characterizing the Jaranwala incident as profoundly tragic and unacceptable. They underlined the principle of equality among all Pakistani citizens regardless of religion, gender, caste, or creed, emphasizing that no one should take the law into their own hands. Those found guilty of such crimes should be brought to justice.
The meeting attendees demanded that no individual should be permitted to act unlawfully, and anyone engaging in such behavior must face legal prosecution. They stressed the importance of promptly restoring all damaged churches and Christian homes affected by the Jaranwala riots within the next few days.
