Pakistani Archbishop demands a transparent investigation to restore justice and peace among the people

Archbishop Joseph Arshad, President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference and Bishop of the Islamabad/Rawalpindi Diocese, condemned the barbaric attacks and desecration of churches, the Holy Bible, and statues of the Holy Mary on August 16, 2023.

Archbishop Arshad said in a press conference, "21 churches were attacked, more than 250 Christians' homes were burned, the cross was desecrated, and churches and homes of Christians were looted."

According to the Archbishop, the Jaranwala tragedy happened because such people were not punished. The culprits involved in the tragedy should be punished so that similar events do not happen."

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing the rehabilitation of the Jaranwala people.

He insisted that "we demand a transparent investigation into this tragic incident for the rule of law and justice to build a better society where religion and harmony are respected."

Along with Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop Yusuf Sohan, Bishop of Multan Diocese, Vicar General Father Abid Mukhtar, Father Asif John, Vicar General Islamabad Rawalpindi Diocese, Father Yusaf Mani, and Father Khalid Rasheed Asi visited Jaranwala.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a senior judge of the Supreme Court, inspected the burned-down houses and churches earlier in the day.

He reviewed the state of the houses and churches destroyed in the Jaranwala tragedy on August 16 by a mob during his visit to the Christian Colony of Jaranwala.

He explained to them that this was not an official visit and that he had personally come to meet them and share their sorrows.

He announced, "I will instruct the administration to complete all restoration work as soon as possible, and I would assist in providing all types of protection to the affected people."

During the hearing, the victims informed the senior judge that their houses and properties were destroyed, and they also requested his assistance in obtaining justice for them.

According to them, women and children live in fear here, but Justice Isa assured them not to be concerned.

"There is no discrimination against you for going to the mosque as a Muslim," Justice Isa said, adding that the government was responsible for protecting them.

Muslims must protect churches if they are attacked, Justice Isa said.

Additionally, Justice Isa reprimanded the officer responsible for the Jaranwala tragedy for alleged negligence.- RVA Urdu News Service