“August 16th was a dark day for Pakistan. We strongly condemn the horrendous incidents of Jaranwala. It was a conspiracy to disrupt social harmony and religious bonds between followers of two faiths,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States. “Our hearts go out to those who were affected and displaced. This is a wound that has to be healed,” he continued. “Islam doesn’t allow any kind of discrimination and persecution. Incitement to hatred and violence against other religions is proscribed,” said the Ambassador. Addressing leaders of all faiths and denominations, the Ambassador said that entire leadership of Pakistan and civil society has stood by Christian brothers and sisters who suffered because of arson and vandalism. “The Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Jaranwala and expressed solidarity with the traumatised victim.” “The Government of Pakistan has not only condemned the incident in the clearest and strongest manner but has also announced compensation for the affected people,” he said. “The state machinery has been mobilized and perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice. There should be no doubt about it,” Masood Khan said. The Ambassador also highlighted that prominent religious leaders including Maulana Taqi Usmani, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi and Ameer Jamaal-i-Islami have strongly condemned the incident. “Ahl-e-Hadis have invited the affected Christians to worship not in the dilapidated churches but in their mosques. This is the true spirit and the real face of Islam,” said the Ambassador. Highlighting the efforts to compensate and rebuild worship places and homes of the affected people, Masood Khan said that the community has stepped forward to help rebuild damaged houses and properties. U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom Rashad Hussain speaking on the occasion condemned the incident and expressed deepest condolences on behalf of Secretary Blinken and the US government. “Pakistan is a place that is very dear to my heart. My family is from Lahore. It is such a beautiful country in so many respects.” “To me it hurts when I see event that doesn’t represent the beauty of Pakistan, true values of Pakistani people,” he said. He emphasized that we all have to work together and think about ways to prevent misuse of laws and occurrence of such incidents. “Beyond the laws that are on books, we have to create a climate in which all people can practice their religion freely, without fear of persecution; without fear of violence, because that is something that we all share,” he said. Pakistani American Christian leaders and representatives of other faiths spoke on the occasion and thanked the government for its strong commitment towards protection of minorities and expression of solidarity with the affected Christian community. Mr. Ilyas Masih, Director All Neighbors speaking on the occasion highlighted the teachings of the Holy Prophet, vision of the Quaid-i-Azam and the Constitution of Pakistan that guaranteed freedom of religion to all people. Other speakers underscored the need for working hand in hand to project the true face of Islam and said that such acts make the fight against Islamophobia even more difficult. They expressed satisfaction over the commitment being shown at the highest level in Pakistan to bring the perpetrators to justice and compensating the affectees. The speakers also highlighted the need for effective measures to preclude misuse of laws and ensuring their even application. The participants also underscored the role of media and the civil society towards promoting inter-faith harmony and rejecting extremist elements. “We should not be called minorities. Actual minority are those extremists who disrupt societal and religious harmony,” said a speaker. Ambassador Masood Khan thanked Mr. Ilyas Masih and All Neighbors Association for its efforts to promote inter-faith harmony. He also thanked the participants expressing solidarity and reiterating strong commitment towards the cause of promoting greater understanding among the followers of various religions and societies. *****
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