The flames devoured the church on Easter weekend.
Christians in Rawalpindi District, Pakistan, are reeling from an alleged arson attack on their church building, suspected to have been orchestrated by a Muslim individual. The incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, devastating everything within the United Presbyterian Junior Church in Gujar Khan tehsil. Reverend Adeem Alphonse, deeply troubled by the destruction, voiced suspicions that the fire was deliberately set, contrary to authorities attributing it to an electrical short circuit.
According to Pastor Alphonse, tensions escalated when a Muslim businessman, identified as Sheikh Ahmed, publicly threatened to obstruct Easter celebrations and disrupt church activities. Ahmed’s purported motive stemmed from his desire to acquire the church property for commercial development, a move vehemently opposed by the congregation. Prior altercations during the Good Friday service hinted at Ahmed’s intentions, culminating in the devastating fire that engulfed the church.
Despite efforts by the community to seek justice through legal channels, including filing a police complaint implicating Ahmed, their grievances were met with skepticism and perceived favoritism towards the accused. City Police Officer Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani’s statement attributing the fire to a short circuit further fueled suspicions of a cover-up.
The Christian community’s outcry for transparency and accountability prompted protests, highlighting broader concerns regarding religious freedom and minority rights in Pakistan. The incident not only dealt a blow to the local congregation but also reverberated across the country, evoking memories of past atrocities against Christians, such as the Jaranwala attacks.
In the face of adversity, Pastor Alphonse and his congregation found solace in solidarity, rallying to uphold their faith amidst adversity. Despite the desecration of their sacred space, they persevered, holding their Easter service in alternative accommodations, albeit with heavy hearts.
The historical significance of the church building, once a Hindu temple repurposed for Christian worship after Partition, underscores the enduring resilience of Pakistan’s Christian community. Amid ongoing challenges and persecution, they continue to assert their right to worship and demand justice for the injustices perpetrated against them.
As Pakistan grapples with its ranking on the World Watch List as one of the most challenging places for Christians, the plight of Pastor Alphonse’s congregation serves as a poignant reminder of the uphill battle for religious tolerance and coexistence in the country.