Last week, a group of Islamic terrorists launched attacks on a Christian community in Jaranwala, situated in eastern Pakistan. This onslaught resulted in the vandalisation and desecration of churches as well as the destruction of homes, triggered by allegations of blasphemy against the Quran attributed to two Christian members of the community.
The recent acts of violence in the name of religion have shaken the local community and highlight the dangers faced by religious minorities within Pakistan as a result of targeted attacks. Acts of violence in the name of religion have reportedly been on the rise since the country made blasphemy punishable by death during the 1980s.
Responding swiftly to this dire situation, Caritas Pakistan mobilised its national and diocesan teams to provide assistance and support. These teams have been actively engaged on the ground offering food, conducting damage assessments, and providing spiritual comfort through the presence of priests and catechists.
The impact of this tragedy affects over 500 families in diverse localities. Though several families managed to save their homes from total destructions due to fire, many were left vulnerable and unable to protect their possessions as a result of looting following the outburst of violence in Jaranwala.