KHYBER
Members of the Christian community and members of civil society staged a protest rally at Bacha Chowk, Landi Kotal on Sunday against Jaranwal, Faisalabad, Punjab mishap and demanded an end of violence against minorities.
It is to be mentioned here that on August 16, 2023, an armed mob attacked at least two churches, the Salvation Army Church and the Saint Paul Catholic Church in Jaranwala city of Punjab, following claims of alleged blasphemy by two Christian’s residents. The angry mob also stormed the houses of Christians there, damaging their properties and setting some on fire.
Former minority Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wilsom Wazir who led the protest speaking on occasion condemned the violence happen and said the government should provide justice to the effectees.
We respect all the divine Holy Books and the Messengers of the God and could not even think of blasphemy, he said, adding but ironically few people utilize the blasphemy law in their own interest that needs to be reviewed.
He went on like other communities in Pakistan; the Christians had also rendered services for the country and asked for compensation of the Christians who lost their properties and renovation of churches that were set ablaze during the aggression.
He demanded of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Army Chief and other concerned officials to make judicial inquiry of the incident, award punishment to the culprits and ensure Christians safety.
While carrying banner inscribed with slogans like “stop looting houses of Chrisitans”,”stop set on fire churches”, scores of local Christians participated in the rally and chanted slogans emphasizing the alleged injustice done to their community in Jaranwala, Punjab.
