Dear Readers,
As we commemorate the month of Pakistan’s hard-fought independence, it is disheartening to confront the grim reality of recent events that have cast a shadow over the principles upon which this nation was built. On August 16, 2023, news emerged of a distressing incident in Jaranwala, Punjab, where a mob of individuals, driven by anger and misguided beliefs, targeted churches and homes belonging to the Christian community. This act of violence was ostensibly triggered by allegations of desecration against the Quran, Islam’s sacred scripture.
The very fabric of our nation, woven with ideals of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for diverse religious beliefs, is fraying at its edges. This painful incident stands as a stark departure from the vision set forth by our founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose words reverberate with timeless wisdom. In his historic address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, Jinnah emphasised that every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, or creed, is entitled to practice their faith freely and without fear. “You are free,” he proclaimed, “to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.”
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) unequivocally condemns the deeply distressing events that transpired in Jaranwala. Mian Shehbaz Sharif, a stalwart leader of the PML-N and former Prime Minister, has taken to social media to express his heartfelt concern. He rightly states that violence has no place within any religion and that all religious symbols, texts, and figures are deserving of utmost reverence and respect. In these trying times, it is heartening to witness the unity among our Muslim brethren who are extending a hand of solidarity to our Christian compatriots, reaffirming that such acts of hatred and hostility are antithetical to the values we hold dear.
The caretaker government has swiftly vowed to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and has pledged to support the reconstruction of the damaged churches and the rehabilitation of the affected families. Amid the darkness, a glimmer of hope shines through as individuals from all walks of life are mobilising to assist those in need, underscoring the collective commitment to healing wounds and rebuilding trust.
As we stand at a crossroads, we must renew our resolve to uphold the ideals of our nation’s inception. The PML-N, in harmony with civil society, will steadfastly raise its voice for the victims of Jaranwala and all minority communities across Pakistan. We resolutely denounce all forms of violence and terrorism against minorities, and we stand as a bastion of support for those who have been unjustly targeted.
With the conclusion of the government’s tenure and the emergence of a caretaker administration, we anticipate a seamless transition that upholds the principles of democracy and ensures free and fair elections. As Pakistan navigates these crucial moments, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the values of tolerance, diversity, and unity that have defined our nation’s journey thus far.
Best regards,
Saira Bano
Editor-in-Chief
