On the morning of March 30th, 2024, the Presbyterian Church in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, became a scene of devastation as flames engulfed its sacred halls. What should have been a place of solace and prayer was instead reduced to ashes, leaving behind a community reeling in shock and fear.
Reports indicate that the blaze, ignited by unknown individuals around 3:00 am, tore through the church with merciless intensity. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the damage was extensive, with the roof, furniture, and cherished Biblical literature, including Bibles and hymn books, all consumed by the inferno.
Rev. Adeem Alfonse, the pastor overseeing the church, received a distressing call from a nearby medical store employee who noticed smoke billowing from the building. Despite swift action, the firefighters’ efforts were hampered by the already-raging fire, leaving behind a grim scene of destruction.
The source of the fire remains a mystery, shrouding the incident in further apprehension. While no accusations have been made, Rev. Alfonse noted tensions with the owner of an adjacent under-construction plaza, which had recently been resolved with police intervention. However, suspicions linger, and authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind this heinous act.
Adding to the distress is the timing of the incident, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide. For Pakistani Christians, already a minority community facing discrimination and persecution, the attack casts a long shadow of fear as they prepare to celebrate Easter, a cornerstone of their faith.
The lack of a First Information Report (FIR) only compounds the uncertainty surrounding the case, leaving victims and their supporters anxious for justice and closure. In response to the tragedy, British Asian Christian Association, BACA, plans to undertake a journey of solidarity, traveling some 250 kilometers from Lahore to offer support to the devastated congregation.
As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with the aftermath, one thing remains clear: the resilience of faith in the face of adversity. While the flames may have charred the physical structure of the church, they cannot extinguish the spirit of unity and hope that binds the hearts of believers, standing firm against the darkness with unwavering resolve.
