London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) A resolute and peaceful rally took place outside the Manchester Consulate General of Pakistan on Sunday, August 20th, 2023, at 4:00 PM. This event garnered substantial support from Pakistani Christians residing across the North-West, North-East, and North of England.

Approximately 150 attendees converged to voice their collective frustration over the ongoing persecution of Christians in Pakistan, despite years of advocacy.

A poignant display of solidarity and determination unfolded as every participant at the recent protest outside the Manchester Consulate General of Pakistan signed a petition. The signed petition was subsequently submitted to the Consular General, Muhammad Tariq Wazir. The collective call within the petition resonated with the attendees, urging a restoration of peace in Jaranwala and the pursuit of justice and compensation for the affected Christian families.

The peaceful demonstration brought together an interdenominational group of Pak-Christian attendees, all united in their plea for lasting peace and equitable treatment for the persecuted communities in Jaranwala. Attendees’ signatures represented a collective demand for accountability and redressal, reinforcing the shared commitment to a more secure and just environment for all.

As is customary in many Pakistani Christian protests, the event commenced with the uplifting rendition of worship songs and prayers. This spiritually inspired commencement served as a reminder of the unity forged through shared faith, highlighting the hope for a brighter future for all affected individuals.

Vinny Masih, the Northern Representative for the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), was among the prominent speakers at the rally. He conveyed a straightforward yet powerful message that resonated with the crowd.

“We don’t need new laws. The Government of Pakistan must simply take action against the perpetrators of such violence.”

Vinny Masih highlighted the critical need for accountability and justice in response to the violent acts targeting Christian communities. He called attention to videos depicting police officers passively observing as Christian homes and churches were set ablaze by a Muslim mob. He further demanded accountability for such unprofessional behavior, emphasizing that the perpetrators of violence must be arrested and brought to justice.

Masih underlined that the implementation of existing laws, alongside stringent enforcement, is paramount to altering the prevailing sense of impunity that enables such acts of violence to persist. The peaceful rally served as a platform for united voices to advocate for a safer environment for Christians in Pakistan.