Jaranwala Relief & Rehabilitation

On 16th August 2023 the Christian Community of Jaranwala was attacked in the most barbaric manner.

Over 25 Churches and hundreds of homes were ransacked, looted and set ablaze leaving hundreds of families traumatized and shattered.

They did not only lose everything they possessed, but hope, trust and dreams were destroyed forever. Souls scarred for life.

All of this over an alleged blasphemy allegation that is yet to be proved; the attack took place simultaneously at all Christian residential areas of Jaranwala.

On the 18th of August 2023 after visiting Jaranwala The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) sent out an appeal to support and rehabilitate the victims of the violent incident.

We received generous amounts of funds; and there was a continuous flow of relief goods being dropped off at our office.

The relief and rehabilitation was carried out through a multi tiered process. In the first phase we provided immediate relief as per the communities’ requirements.

As the affectees were in makeshift shelters; cooked meals, drinking water, personal hygiene kits, milk and diapers for babies were provided.

In the second phase we moved on to the rehabilitation process; as they began to return to their homes, their needs increased, we provided assistance in settling them back into their homes.

Our relief camps were operational at four locations in the affected areas of Jaranwala; relief goods were collected at our office in Lahore and then transported to Jaranwala for distribution, our teams of volunteers were working on ground to facilitate the day to day needs of the families.

A regular supply of groceries including food items, drinking water, personal hygiene products, detergents, powdered milk, diapers etc were being provided to the affected families on a regular basis.

The following relief goods were distributed:

Atta (Flour)

Ghee (Cooking Oil)

Drinking water

Powdered milk

Baby foods

Dry foods (Biscuits, rusk etc)

Personal hygiene products (soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc)

Towels

Clothes washing detergent

Hygiene kits for women

Buckets, mugs etc

Footwear (Men, Women & Children)

Clothing (Men, Women & Children)

Insect repellents

Fans

Charpai (Folding Beds)

Washing machines

Crockery

Cooking utensils

Distribution Of House Hold Items

Medical Camp For Jaranwala Kids

The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) set up a medical camp in Jaranwala for the children who developed skin disorders after chemical and petrol bombs were used to attack their homes during the Jaranwala carnage.

The children were examined by dermatologists from Lahore; and the relevant medication was provided to all the children.

Toys For Children

In order to provide some respite to the traumatized children of Jaranwala; we distributed toys and goodie bags to all the children, spreading joy and excitement all around.

This is baby Samuel; he was born on the eve of the attack in Jaranwala; a few hours after giving birth his mother had to flee her burning home carrying him in her arms.

Nine days of age he went into a critical condition, we had him rushed to a hospital in Faisalabad, where he was able to receive timely medical attention.

Winter Items Distribution

As the winter season set in, warm clothing and footwear were distributed to all the families.

Gifts For Children

Christmas Carnival

On 16th Dec 2023 The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) organized “The CICF Jaranwala Christmas Carnival” in Jaranwala, with the intention of restoring faith, hope, and trust among the traumatized families of Jaranwala.

The Carnival was attended by the affected families of Jaranwala along with representatives from the local administration, social and religious leaders.

“The CICF Jaranwala Christmas Carnival”spread endless smiles and laughter in the lives of these distraught families.

The Christmas Carnival was an attempt to further provide these families with relief from the trauma they carry within themselves.

In the aftermath of the attacks, nine months later there still exists a certain level of hostility in the area; the brunt of which is also being faced by school going children, who more often than not get taunted and ridiculed by both their teachers and fellow students, resulting in children enduring psychological stress hence are afraid of going to school.

We at The CICF arranged for some of the children to attend boarding school in another city. The school is run by the Catholic Church. Currently twenty five children from Jaranwala are studying there and we take care of the expenses; school fee, uniforms, books, stationary, boarding and lodging etc.

We continue to assist these children as and when required.

We, however, remain committed to stand by these families if and when they require any further assistance.

No one should ever have to experience what these families and so many like them have experienced over the years. It is the state’s responsibility to protect them and the Government of Pakistan must ensure protection of all its citizens regardless of their faith.

We at The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF) extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who generously supported The CICF Jaranwala Relief Program.

We received donations from organizations and individuals from Pakistan and around the world.

Due to requests for anonymity by a number of individuals, I’m only stating the names of the organizations that supported our relief and rehabilitation work.

1. Association Of Physicians Of Pakistani Decent of North America (APPNA)

2. Be The Change Pakistan

3. Infaq Foundation Karachi

4. Kinnaird College For Women Lahore

5. Lahore Grammar School Junior Campus Girls and Boys 534/G-1, Johar Town, Lahore

6. Convent of Jesus & Mary Sialkot

7. Karachi Welfare and Development Association Overseas

8. Cycling Defence Lahore

9. St Philip's Anglican Church, Mt Waverley, Vic 3149 Australia

10. Lotus Client Management & Public Relations, Lahore

11. Fit like Farah

12. Lahore Grammar School 55 Main Gulberg, Lahore (Ms Nasrene Shah)