Some still live in homes damaged by fire

The streets of Jaranwala's Christian neighborhood used to be adorned with glitter, lights, artificial Christmas trees, and sparkling stars during the Christmas season. In 2023, the same roads were filled with bricks, cement, planks, and reinforcement bars. The survivors of the mob's rampage on August 16th last year are prioritizing rebuilding their homes. 

In the past, outdoor nativity scenes were set up – there was a small competition to have the best nativity scene. In 2023, there were no nativity scenes in the streets of Jaranwala. 

On August 16th last year, an enraged Muslim mob set fire to 90 houses and over 20 churches following an alleged blasphemy incident. The houses were emptied of valuables before being burned. All residents of the Christian neighborhoods escaped before the mob arrived. 

"There is fear in my heart," says 8-year-old Chris to voicepk.net. His mother, Komal, speaks of "deep-rooted terror." She fears that terrorism will strike again. Komal says that children are suspicious when unknown children appear in the streets; they ask if they are Muslims. 

"It has never happened before that our children distinguish between Christians and Muslims," she says. 

Not everyone has received help 

The government of Pakistan promised 2 million rupees (7000 USD) in compensation for each family whose houses were destroyed. Some have received funds for rebuilding, while others are still left stranded. As a result, some families still lived in fire-ravaged houses during Christmas. 

People went to church services in the churches that have been rebuilt. 

"The large churches, like St. John's Church, has been renovated; the small ones are still under reconstruction," says Sobia Batool of the Human Friends Organization (HFO), a partner of the Stefanus Alliance. 

Providing food and supplies 

HFO has provided assistance to many families in Jaranwala – with food and supplies for homes, with contributions from, among others, the Stefanus Alliance. 

"Now we are working with the authorities to prevent such tragedies from happening again," says Batool. 

In about a month, it's Easter. 

"Do you think all the churches and homes will be rebuilt by then?" 

"I hope so. But since there are elections in Pakistan on February 24th, I am skeptical," Batool replies. 

Solidarity with the victims 

On December 10th, on the International Human Rights Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with HFO and others, organized a ceremony with the Christian community in Jaranwala. The event was organized by UNDP with the support of the Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan. 

Muslims who stood up for their Christian neighbors when the mob mobilized were also invited and attended. 

"This was an important event. It was meaningful to celebrate International Human Rights Day with the victims of terror. The purpose of the ceremony was to comfort the families affected by the terror in August. It was a visible act of solidarity with the Christian minority," says Batool. 

Requires hard work 

Also present at the ceremony were the Catholic Church in Faisalabad, the National Commission for Human Rights, and the Human Rights and Minorities Department under the provincial government of Punjab. 

"Promoting harmony between religions and changing people's mindsets requires continuous work at all levels," said Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Akbar. He is the secretary of the Department of Human Rights and Minority Affairs in Punjab. He confirmed the Punjab government's commitment to ensuring the inclusion, respect, protection, and development of minority religious communities in the province."