ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the German Embassy visited Jaranwala on Friday to express support for the Christian community which faced a distressing incident of mob violence last month.

Head of Communications and Cultural Affairs Dorota Berezicki and Human Rights Counsellor Julia Klein met the affected families and bore witness to the aftermath of the gruesome mob violence which had resulted in the looting and destruction of places of worship and residences belonging to the Christian community in Jaranwala, according to a press release issued by the German Embassy in Islamabad.

Bishop Indiras Rehmat of a local church in Jaranwala and representatives from the Catholic Church in Faisalabad briefed the embassy delegation providing insights into the ground-level situation and the challenges faced by the community as they try to rebuild their lives.

In a gesture aimed at providing immediate assistance to the afflicted families, the delegation distributed emergency aid packages among them donated by the embassy’s local and German staff. These include essential food items, bedding, clothing and sanitary supplies.

Briefed on situation in area after last month’s mob attacks

The statement said Germany upholds its steadfast commitment to the principles of peace, tolerance and interfaith harmony. It is a solemn belief that no family should ever experience insecurity within their homes due to their faith, it added.

Meeting with minister

In another development, Catholic Church leaders met Minister for Religious Affairs Aniq Ahmed in his office. The delegation was led by father Sylvester Josheph and comprised father Asif Jhon, father Sarfraz Saimon, father Azam, Aneel Peter and Tariq Ghori.

On the occasion, the minister said the extremist elements have gained strong foothold in the country and all such incidents have repeatedly occurred after 1997, and it is time to take measures to stop them.

“The problem is that we talk about great things in the rooms — the common grounds and the respect that we have for Christianity and the Prophets of the Jews — but these thoughts have to be reflected on the ground, too,” Mr Ahmed said.

The delegation members said the perpetrators of the Jaranwala-like attacks and those who assemble mobs for such attacks should be punished under anti-terrorism laws. The minister was informed about the contributions made by the Catholic Church in the field of health and education in Pakistan.

Father Asif John said a large number of Pakistani politicians, financial experts and even scientists have had their basic education in the various educational institutes managed by the Catholic Church.

The delegation extended invitation to the minister to visit churches in several parts of the country, which he accepted to show solidarity with the Christian community.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2023