Explosions and Fear Gripped Border Cities
Last Thursday, a massive explosion shook Gujranwala, Pakistan, as tensions flared between India and Pakistan. Residents, already under a two-day blackout, feared further violence. Across the border in Pathankot, India, citizens endured curfews and nightly drone attacks. Civilians in both cities described the chaos as war-like. Bright flashes lit up the skies while booming blasts shattered the night. Families prayed for safety as military strikes intensified.
Military Strikes Follow Kashmir Attack
The violence erupted after gunmen from the Resistance Front killed 26 people in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. India accused the attackers of ties to Pakistan-based groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, allegations Pakistan denied. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting militant infrastructure in Pakistan’s Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated, triggering heavy civilian casualties on both sides. The U.S. brokered a cease-fire on Saturday, but diplomatic tensions remain high.
Historical Wounds Resurface
The conflict revived memories of Partition in 1947, when the British division of India left Kashmir disputed. Nearly 3 million people died during Partition, with minorities, including Christians, caught in the violence. Christians in both India and Pakistan have since faced systemic discrimination and persecution. In past wars, Pakistani Christians were jailed on espionage charges, while Indian Christians faced violence under Hindu nationalist regimes.
Shared Faith Amid Divided Nations
Despite national hostilities, Christian communities in both countries expressed solidarity. Pakistani and Indian Christians connected through prayer, mutual suffering, and shared language. Leaders like Ujala Hans and Shiji Benjamin emphasized unity and support across borders. “When the world sees enmity, we can choose to see shared faith,” said Benjamin.
Interfaith Efforts Rise in Pakistan
Amid destruction, Gujranwala pastor Sharaz Sharif Alam helped organize a peace procession with 200 Christian and Muslim leaders. Chanting slogans for peace and unity, they marched through the city. The next day, Alam led another procession thanking God for protection. These gatherings fostered rare interfaith collaboration, offering hope for reconciliation even as political tensions persist.
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Indian and Pakistani Christians Fear War, Not Each Other
Photo by Mehtab Farooq on Unsplash
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