On August 16th, 2023, At Least Seventeen Churches Were Vanda

On August 16th 2023 At Least Seventeen Churches Were Vandalized In P

On August 16th, 2023, at least seventeen churches were vandalized in Pakistan's province of Punjab. Crowds of hundreds gathered to mob and set fire to these religious establishments. These attacks raised concern for the discrimination that religious minorities are facing in Pakistan. Muslims comprise 96.2% of the country (Ali & Ahmad, 2022). The remaining four percent of the country comprises Hindus, Christians, and Qadiyanis (Ali & Ahmad, 2022).

These religious minorities are often victims of violence. They lack access to education, transportation, and health care, and face occupation discrimination as well (Ali & Ahmad, 2022). The Pakistan prime minister is well aware of the violent acts of these churches. He comments that these attacks are, "illegal and unconstitutional" (Saifi & Haq, 2023). He explains that all members of religious minorities are equal citizens of the state.

Pakistan's goal is to promote freedom and social harmony (Saifi & Haq, 2023). Hocker's third element of principled negotiation highlights focusing on interests instead of positions (Hocker et al., 2022). The prime minister discusses his interests in keeping Pakistan a place of harmony and peace. This increases the likelihood of the country coming to a mutual agreement (Hocker et al., 2022). He avoids discussing his own religious position.

As far as the individuals vandalizing the churches, there have not been any elements of negotiation seen. In my opinion, the best place to start would be to attend to all elements of communication. If all the members of differing religious backgrounds were able to work together to create positive and mutually influencing communication, this would drastically change the negative perspective of religious minorities. In addition, building a good relationship with each other and separating individuals from the conflict would help resolve the issue of violence. Principle five: Find legitimate criteria, may be violated if members of the community only have an interest in winning or getting what they want.

Seeking fair standards will aid in what the prime minister is already encouraging for the people. Ali, F., & Ahmad, G. (2022). Social Discrimination, Need to Belong, and Psychological Wellbeing Among Religious Minorities in Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 37(2), 311–330. Links to an external site.

Hocker, J., Berry, K., & Wilmot, W. (2022). Interpersonal conflict (11th ed.). McGraw Hill. Saifi, S., & Haq, S. N. (2023). Pakistani authorities arrest more than 100 people in Punjab after church attacks. CNN.

Paper For Above instruction

The attack on churches in Punjab on August 16, 2023, underscores the persistent challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, highlighting issues of discrimination, violence, and social cohesion. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced application of conflict negotiation principles, emphasizing communication, mutual interests, and fair standards to foster reconciliation and societal harmony.

Pakistan's demographic composition is predominantly Muslim, accounting for approximately 96.2% of the population, leaving a minority of Hindus, Christians, and Qadiyanis (Ali & Ahmad, 2022). These minorities encounter systemic discrimination, including limited access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and transportation, alongside occupational obstacles (Ali & Ahmad, 2022). Such marginalization fuels social discord and perpetuates cycles of violence, as evidenced by the destruction of churches and the subsequent arrests of over 100 individuals involved in the attacks (Saifi & Haq, 2023).

The Pakistani government's response, which condemns the attacks as illegal and unconstitutional, reflects a recognition of the need to uphold constitutional rights and promote social harmony (Saifi & Haq, 2023). However, mere condemnation is often insufficient in addressing the root causes of violence, necessitating a strategic approach rooted in principled negotiation. Hocker et al. (2022) emphasize the importance of focusing on underlying interests rather than positional stances, facilitating mutual understanding and cooperative problem-solving. The Pakistani prime minister's emphasis on national harmony and peace aligns with this approach, as he avoids publicly expressing his own religious position to foster an inclusive environment.

Building on this, effective communication among diverse community members is paramount. As suggested by Hocker et al. (2022), establishing positive and mutually influential communication channels cantransform perceptions and reduce hostility. When members of differing religious backgrounds collaborate to reinforce understanding and respect, the social fabric strengthens, reducing the likelihood of violence and fostering a culture of tolerance. Additionally, separating individual identities from the conflict — recognizing each person’s dignity and humanity — can diminish dehumanization and subsequent violent acts.

Applying the principle of seeking legitimate criteria, or fair standards, is critical in conflict resolution. This concept involves establishing standards based on justice, fairness, and mutual benefit rather than power or dominance interests (Hocker et al., 2022). If community members prioritize fairness and shared values over personal victories, it creates an environment conducive to compromise and sustainable peace. The government’s efforts to arrest perpetrators and uphold legal standards demonstrate a move toward ensuring justice; however, community-level conflict resolution should incorporate inclusive dialogues that uphold these fair standards and involve all stakeholders.

Furthermore, addressing the ingrained prejudices and stereotypes that fuel discrimination requires proactive engagement through community dialogues, educational programs, and policies promoting religious tolerance. Research indicates that social discrimination impacts the psychological wellbeing of minorities, further entrenching division (Ali & Ahmad, 2022). Efforts must therefore extend beyond punitive measures to include systemic change aimed at promoting social cohesion and interfaith understanding.

International organizations and human rights groups also play a vital role in supporting local initiatives that foster dialogue and advocate for minority rights. Their involvement can introduce best practices, facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, and exert pressure on authorities to uphold human rights standards. Collaboration between government agencies, civil society, religious leaders, and minority communities is essential to developing inclusive policies and conflict resolution frameworks rooted in respect for human dignity and equality.

In conclusion, the violence against churches in Punjab exemplifies broader issues of religious intolerance and social fragmentation in Pakistan. Applying conflict negotiation principles—such as focusing on interests, establishing fair standards, promoting effective communication, and respecting human dignity—can guide efforts toward reconciliation and harmony. Achieving sustainable peace requires a comprehensive approach that addresses systemic discrimination, fosters dialogue, and builds trust within diverse communities, ultimately paving the way for a more just and inclusive society.

References

• Ali, F., & Ahmad, G. (2022). Social Discrimination, Need to Belong, and Psychological Wellbeing Among Religious Minorities in Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, 37(2), 311–330.
• Hocker, J., Berry, K., & Wilmot, W. (2022). Interpersonal conflict (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.
• Saifi, S., & Haq, S. N. (2023). Pakistani authorities arrest more than 100 people in Punjab after church attacks. CNN.