More than 200 worshippers were walking through the streets of Gujranwala, in the province of Punjab, at dawn on Easter Sunday, April 5, singing hymns and holding candles, when a truck travelling at a high speed plowed into the crowd.

Franciscan priest, Father Shahrukh Nathanial, who was leading the procession, described the incident as “very tragic and saddening.” In statements to Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a Catholic media platform, the priest recounted the events.

“The high-speed truck hit the procession as we were marching toward the church. It shocked us all as it was a big procession of more than 200 people holding candles and singing Alleluia hymns. It is impossible to believe that he has not seen the people or has not heard people singing or has not seen the fireworks or heard the loud noise of fireworks.”

According to the priest, unlike in previous years, security forces were not accompanying the procession. “This incident has shattered the Christian community celebrating the risen Lord and has left them in huge pain and fear. We are praying for the speedy recovery of the people injured during the incident,” Father Nathanial concluded.

A devastating event 

This incident has deeply alarmed Pakistan’s Christian community. Joel Amir Sahotra, a former member of Punjab Assembly and former Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Punjab, and Human Rights Activist, described the incident in a message sent to the Portuguese office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Lisbon as a “devastating event,” that occurred on one of “the holiest days for Christians,” causing “immense pain and great fear in an already vulnerable community.”

Mr. Sahotra states that “an act of violence of this kind against the faithful is both shocking and deeply distressing,” and expresses his solidarity with the victims and their families “during these difficult times.”

“My thoughts are particularly with those who remain in critical condition, and I call on the authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and swift investigation into this incident, so that those responsible are held fully accountable,” he states, adding that “it is essential that justice be served, but also that it helps restore trust and promote the safety of all citizens, particularly religious minorities.”

For this Christian community leader, “no one should fear for their life while practising their faith. The safety, dignity, and freedom of all citizens must remain an absolute priority,” he affirmed.