Christians hailing from various parts of Europe converged outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Monday to express condemnation against the escalating incidents of church burnings, desecrations, and attacks targeting the Christian community in Pakistan.The protesters demonstrated against the attacks on 21 churches and numerous Christian residences in Punjab districts Jaranwala. These acts were incited by the alleged desecration of the Quran.The protesters have also demanded that the Pakistani government ensure that the perpetrators responsible for these acts of violence face justice.A peaceful #protest was held on 21 August 2023 in front of #Pakistan High Commission in London #ChristianLivesMatter #BlackDay #Christian #Blasphemy #Persecution #Minorities #VFJ #Jaranwala #justiceforjaranwala@UN@USCIRF@DavidAltonHL@UN_HRC@RKionka@StateDept@UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/swpQaShN8P— Voice For Justice (@Voice4Justice7) August 21, 2023A peaceful #protest was held on 21 August 2023 in front of #Pakistan High Commission in London#ChristianLivesMatter #BlackDay #Christian #Blasphemy #Persecution #Minorities #VFJ #Jaranwala #justiceforjaranwala@UN@USCIRF@DavidAltonHL@UN_HRC@RKionka@StateDept@UNHumanRights pic.twitter.com/zvN3ototN9— Voice For Justice (@Voice4Justice7) August 21, 2023London protest demonstration against barbaric attack on 21 churches & hundreds of homes of Christians in Jaranwala #Pakistan over alleged allegation of desecration of Quran Bring the perpetrators of heinous crime to Justice #Christianlivesmatter pic.twitter.com/7dRDqPMmvS— Joseph Janssen (@JosephjansenVFJ) August 21, 2023Pakistan arrests youth after sharing hate letter on Jaranwala church attacksAs the protest unfolded, Pakistan grappled with its own internal strife, as a young Christian was apprehended by Pakistani authorities on Monday. The arrest was made under the blasphemy law and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.The youth had allegedly reposted and shared a purportedly inflammatory piece – a letter – which was believed to have contributed to the surge of hostility against the Christian community in Jaranwala. The arrest was conducted in Chak 186/9-L.A comprehensive report by Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) revealed the extent of the violence targeting Christians in Jaranwala. The incident on August 16 saw 19 churches burned to ashes, alongside two churches and multiple prayer rooms and community spaces being affected.The report unveiled a grim picture – a total of 89 Christian homes, including those belonging to pastors and priests, were fully engulfed by the flames, while 15 more houses were partially destroyed. The catastrophe forced over 10,000 Christians to take shelter in sugar cane and other fields during the initial nights of the attack.HRFPs fact-finding mission gathered first-hand accounts from victims, families, church leaders, local residents, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders. The team directly met with over 150 victims, families, and church leaders, all recounting tales of persecution, losses, and immediate needs for support.The report painted a bleak aftermath, with looted households and charred remains. While some managed to flee in time, many are grappling with the aftermath of trauma, injuries, and fear. The team noted that the affected individuals harbour a profound apprehension about returning to their homes.
