SW News: In the wake of the anti-Christian violence in Jaranwala in Pakistan’s Punjab Province, Archbishop Sebastian Shaw of Lahore visited the affected families there on August 22.

The prelate visited the Christian families affected by violence and expressed solidarity with them. The prelate said what they saw there was terrible devastation that moved them very much. “People are shocked and desperate, they have nothing left. It is up to us to offer a touch of consolation by being witnesses of Jesus’ love,” he said.

Archbishop Shaw said the Church is providing human closeness, psychological and material help and relief efforts are being undertaken by Caritas and other Christian organizations. “I have told the Christians that they are not alone in this suffering, Jesus is with them and we are with them,” he added.

The bishop was accompanied by a Muslim delegation and the interim prime minister of the country Anwar ul Haq.  He acknowledged the contribution made by the Christian community in nation-building and said they are an integral part of Pakistan. PM Haq added that it was the responsibility of every Muslim to protect minorities. "We act against enemies of minorities not only out of duty but out of conviction. As followers of the founder of the homeland, Ali Jinnah, we act in accordance with the law and the Constitution of Pakistan, which encourages and obliges us to respond to these atrocities,” he added.

Haq said that the authorities would not give easy amnesty to those who persecute Christians. “If anyone persecutes a community, justice will reach them. "Brothers and sisters, we are with you, we will be the voice of the voiceless,” he promised the Christians. The prime minister also distributed aid of two million rupees each to the affected Christian families.