From the very first day of the Jaranwala sit-in, Pastor Rizwan Mall of the Presbyterian Church stood firmly with the community. Just a few days later, Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Faisalabad, joined alongside many priests, showing solidarity in a time of deep pain. Local pastors gradually began to lend their support from the fifth day onward.
On that same day, the Assistant Commissioner of Jaranwala and the SP Police visited the protest site to hear concerns and open negotiations. Since then, numerous social activists—including Yashwa Bhatti and Abrar Sahotra of Faisalabad—have also remained present with the protesters. Members of the Peace Committee and Muslim brothers joined as well, promoting interfaith harmony and unity.
Today, on the 15th consecutive day of the sit-in, 42 Pentecostal pastors of Jaranwala arrived and pledged their solidarity, promising to stand firmly with the victims until justice is served.
Leadership and Coordination
The arrangements and management of the sit-in are being led by Shakeel Bhatti (legal head of cases, victim, and witness), Lala Robin Daniel, and Shafiq Masih (Goshi Naz). Overall coordination is being overseen by Atif Bhatti (Youth President), Joel Mattu, and their dedicated team, ensuring that the protest remains peaceful and organized.
The Sit-in Will Continue Until Demands Are Met
The Christian community has made clear that the sit-in will not end until their legitimate demands are addressed. They have also appealed to Christians across Pakistan to join in solidarity.
Their core demands include:
Direct negotiations with provincial and federal governments.
An end to desecration of minority places of worship and institutions.
Zero tolerance for derogatory speech.
Concrete measures to ensure justice.
Immediate arrest of all accused persons.
An end to poor police investigations.
Full compensation for all losses suffered.
A Cry for Justice
The Jaranwala incident is not just a Christian issue—it is a matter of justice, human rights, and the dignity of minorities across Punjab. Even the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly has questioned the Minister for Minority Affairs, asking whether the government has any real concern for Jaranwala and other affected communities.
Yet, despite growing recognition, meaningful action remains absent. Minority political leaders, many Christian journalists, and senior pastors have remained largely silent, deepening the sense of isolation felt by the victims.
On the 14th day of the sit-in, a Mehfil was held on the street beside the protest. Out of respect and commitment to peace, the sit-in organizers refrained from using loudspeakers, allowing the Mehfil to proceed without disturbance. Later that evening, police officers—including the SHO—pressured the protestors to close the sit-in, threatening to forcibly disperse them.
In response, Shakeel Bhatti declared:
“Then you will kill us by crime and other means, only because we are demanding justice for the 27 churches and Bibles that were brutally burnt and destroyed. This is a major issue of our society. We are sitting here very peacefully.”
The SHO expressed fears of a “third party” misusing the protest. To this, Shakeel Bhatti replied:
“Sir, can you give us any assurance that another Jaranwala-like incident will not happen again?”
The officer had no answer.
To further promote harmony, the sit-in organizers have even announced a symbolic gesture: cutting a cake together with members of the Peace Committee and Muslim brothers on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. Yet despite such efforts for unity, threats of forced closure persist.
Tribute to Lala Robin Daniel
Among the strongest pillars of this struggle is Lala Robin Daniel, a renowned human rights activist whose tireless dedication has inspired many. Despite the personal sorrow of his wife’s memorial anniversary on the 9th day of the sit-in, he refused to leave the protest, saying:
“On 16 August 2025, I came to Jaranwala seeking justice for the last time in my life.”
After much persuasion, he briefly returned to Faisalabad for only three hours before coming back to Jaranwala, where he has remained ever since. His sacrifices embody true leadership and devotion to justice.
Standing Firm
The Jaranwala Christians remain steadfast in their peaceful struggle. Their movement is not only for justice in Jaranwala but also for equality, dignity, and peace for all citizens of Pakistan.
The world is watching, and the community’s message is clear: until justice is delivered, they will not be silenced.
