Islamabad – August 16: A Dark Day in Pakistan’s History
In a tragic incident on August 16, 2023, in Jaranwala, a tehsil of Faisalabad division, religiously ignorant miscreants set multiple churches and homes of Christian brothers ablaze. As if their so-called “faith-driven” frenzy was not enough, they also desecrated a Christian cemetery—a truly heartbreaking act.
Adding to the sorrow, these troublemakers burned the small flags and musical instruments that innocent Christian children had bought with great effort to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Has the Christian Community Not Contributed to Pakistan?
From the creation of Pakistan to its development, the Christian community has played an invaluable role. The Jaranwala incident is one of many distressing tragedies in our history. Unfortunately, August 16, 2023, was not the first time such an event occurred—our past is littered with similar brutal episodes.
Do You Remember These Tragic Events?
- Shanti Nagar (1997)
- Gojra (2009)
- Joseph Colony (2013)
- Peshawar Church attack
And now Faisalabad and Jaranwala.
Smaller incidents don’t even make headlines anymore. Have we forgotten the case of Rimsha Masih in Islamabad, where an innocent child was unjustly imprisoned for a long time? Do we not remember Shahzad Masih and his wife, Shama Shehzad, who were burned alive in a brick kiln?
Are We Ignoring the Role of Minorities in Pakistan’s History?
Have we forgotten the significant contributions of minorities both before and after the formation of Pakistan? Has Pakistan failed to protect its own citizens? The safety of citizens is not just a wartime obligation but a daily duty of the state. Many concerned and conscientious Pakistani Muslims have raised their voices against such attacks, including the Jaranwala tragedy, highlighting the immense contributions of Pakistani Christians.
Heroes of Pakistan: Christian Contributions
One shining example is Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry, a legendary fighter pilot and war hero of the 1965 war. In addition, many schools, colleges, and hospitals run by Christians have been instrumental in serving the nation.
The Role of S.P. Singha in Pakistan’s Creation
During the pre-independence era, S.P. Singha, a Christian, served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. He and his community voted in favor of Pakistan, playing a role in determining Punjab’s fate. When the Punjab Assembly was deciding whether to join India or Pakistan, some claim that Singha’s vote tipped the balance in Pakistan’s favor. However, historical records suggest that the decision was more complex than a single vote.
In the voting process, 88 members, including Muslims, Christian representatives (S.P. Singha, Fazal Elahi, and Mr. Gibbon), and an Anglo-Indian Christian, voted for a united Punjab, while 77 Hindu, Sikh, and scheduled caste members voted for partition. Later, in July 1947, during the Punjab Boundary Commission proceedings, S.P. Singha advocated for a united Punjab but expressed a preference for joining Pakistan if partition was inevitable. Another Christian group, led by Mr. Banerjee, favored a united India and wished to stay in India if partition occurred.
Equality for All in Pakistan
The government must ensure that minorities receive equal rights, just as the Pakistani constitution guarantees for Muslims. Those who commit atrocities against minorities under the guise of religion must educate themselves on Islam’s true teachings. Perhaps they do not even understand how to perform prayers correctly or comprehend the core tenets of Islam. If they study the laws of the State of Madinah, they would realize that even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not punish anyone without proper investigation.
So, under which law or religion do these extremists believe they have the right to burn homes, destroy churches, and punish innocent people?
