Human Rights report: 19 churches burned in Pakistan’s Jaranwala unrest

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) issued a report indicating that the recent outbreak of violence in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, resulted in the complete destruction of 19 churches and the burning of 89 houses belonging to Christians. As detailed in the HRFP report, the occurrence on August 16 encompassed an attack targeting churches and the Christian population.
The report showed that 19 churches were entirely set on fire, and furthermore, two churches along with multiple prayer rooms and community halls suffered damage.
The report also pointed out that over 400 houses were impacted during the incident. Among them, 89 houses belonging to Christians, including residences of pastors and priests, were completely ruined, while 15 houses sustained partial harm.
“During the initial nights of the attack, more than 10,000 Christians sought refuge in sugar cane fields and other agricultural areas,” report said.
The HRFP report was created by utilizing primary information and evidence collected during their on-site fact-finding expedition.
The team interviewed victims, families, residents, church leaders, neighbours, journalists, police officers, local officials, political activists, and assorted stakeholders.
Throughout their interactions, the HRFP team directly engaged with more than 150 victims, families, and church leaders who recounted tales of being victimized, facing religious persecution, suffering losses, and expressing urgent requirements.
The report highlights the immediate and enduring need for aid.
The team investigating the incident witnessed theft of household possessions, while the rest were intentionally ignited. Swift evacuations enabled people to escape. The human rights group observed that numerous evacuees are currently enduring distressing circumstances, with several individuals sustaining injuries and some women reporting instances of abuse. The report underscores the urgency of offering assistance in both the short and long term.