Dear Friends, Pakistan Christian Post Here are my comments on the present situation that happened in Gojra. I am writing from the perspective of interfaith concerns, therefore, I have also touched on the justice and peace. Violence captured Gojra city (Saturday July 1st) after Korian village (Thursday July 30th) when more then 20 houses were again burnt and 7 people were burnt to death at the spot and 2 more who could not survive passed away later. Now situation in Gojra is little calm after registration of FIR yesterday against 20 nominated and 800 unknown of that vicinity. District Police and administer officer have also been nominated in the FIR for their negligence. Yesterday Dr. Alexander John Malik Bishop of Lahore called a press conference at Lahore Press Club and from today all Christian educational institutions (Roman Catholic and Church of Pakistan) in Karachi and Blochistan will be closed for three days in mourning . Last evening in Lahore representative of the civil society and human rights organization also demonstrated against blasphemy law and in solidarity with the victims of violence in Gojra. Now demonstrations against this brutality are happening accross the country. Apart from all violence and the terrorist attacks, presence of peaceful and friendly Muslims can not be ignored. This also happened in Gojara. Many Christians in Gojra left the city during this situation while a lot people were taken by their Muslim friends in their houses. Yesterday a significant number of local people from the majority community (in Gojra) were showing their solidarity with the Christians during funeral and demonstrations against religious extremism. It clearly expresses that there is still hope. Here I would also mention that media’s role was appreciated across the board, though some Christians (emotional) have reservations. Major political parties especially which are in Govt. showed their support to Christians. Misuse of aloud speakers in the mosques was also one of the reason that blow up the situation. Now a criminal case has been registered against the people who led these violent activities. It would be very effective if they are trialed fairly. On one hand it would build Christians confidence and feeling of security and on the other hand people would be little aware of the consequences and after effects of over reacting and violent attacks. Now a joint strategy (churches) for follow up of the cases and national and international pressure on the government for a fair and rapid trail is needed. Most of these violent attacks having involvement of the mobs occurred in villages and remote areas. Poverty, class system, religious discrimination, lawlessness, extremism etc. can be mentioned reasons behind. Therefore segregation and division of community at religious level is also involved. Sometimes human rights activists and people who speak against oppressors do not highlight the importance of incorporating religious groups in the community. Christians living in Muslim majority villages are not socially, economically, politically and educationally etc. very sound. No doubt these conditions become hindrances against social integration of Christians with the Muslims in these areas. Therefore, Churches and human rights organizations should do some research in this regard to form and adopt new methodologies. Thanks for all concern and cooperation that you show to us in time of pain and problem. Rev. Rana Youab Khan Lahore. August 3, 2009.