The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had dispatched relief goods for the affectees of the Jaranwala arson. Along with a relief goods a high level delegation was sent to express solidarity with the victims. Jaranwala arson made national and international headlines in August when hundreds of houses of Christian residents, about 24 churches were desecrated, vandalized and torched.
On Monday, September 25 the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government as a gesture of solidarity with the homeless and destitute victims of heinous incident sent a delegation and relief goods. The delegation was led by Chief Khateeb KP Maulana Tayyab Qureshi. Bishop Sarfaraz Peter would hand over the relief goods to the affectees. Maulana Tayyab Qureshi stated that the purpose of sending relief goods to the affectees was to promote inter-faith harmony and express solidarity with the affected families. The delegation included minority leaders along with officers of Religious and Minority Affairs Department.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government dispatched 12 trucks loaded with relief supplies to the site providing assstance to the affected population. Dr Asad Ali, Secretary of Religious Affairs, announced that the relief goods dispatched include foam mattresses, blankets, emergency searchlights, and kitchen sets. More over, the aid package comprises first-aid kits, health hygiene kits, buckets, and mosquito nets are among other essential items. These items would be distributed among 600 families.
“We are mobilising all available resources to promote religious harmony,” Dr. Asad Ali said. He emphasized on the KPK government’s commitment to fostering interfaith unity and support for all communities in times of need. Dr Asad further explained that the KP Department of Religious Affairs stands in solidarity with the vicitms of Jaranwala incident. He said that the KPK government is committed and is actively working to provide equal rights to the minority communities in the KPK province. He said that various religious ceremonies and programmes for minority communities are organized at the government level.
The affectees of the incident are still reeling from the horrid turn of events on August 16, 2023 when a mob of hundreds of enraged extremists ransacked houses of Christians leaving nothing behind. The houses were torched reducing them to nothing. The vandals did not spare the churches; setting about 25 local churches on fire after desecrating them.
Apparently, alleged accusations of blasphemy sparked the incident. On Wednesday August 16, two local Christian brothers were charged with blasphemy for allegedly desecrating the Quran. The story was disseminated through loudspeakers in mosques and provoking videos were posted on social media inciting Muslims for vengeance. Local Christians had by then fled, anticipating an attack. The properties were left vacant and wide open for the vandals to ransack and set on fire.
