JHANG: Thousands of people clad in white gathered here on Friday to make a human image of Christchurch’s Al Noor mosque, where 42 people were killed by a white terrorist four weeks ago.

Drone images showed worshippers standing in formation, their snow-white shalwar-kameez suits and prayer caps in stark contrast to the emerald green of a public field, as a second group formed the words “Islam is peace” nearby.

Huge New Zealand and Pakistan flags were also displayed along with a giant banner which read: “Solidarity with martyrs of Christchurch from Pakistan”.

The tribute was organised by the Muslim Institute, a non-governmental organisation aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world, which also released the drone footage.

Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder after opening fire at the Linwood and Al Noor mosques on March 15.

Tribute organisers praised the New Zealand government after what had been a “very tough time” for Muslims in the country — especially Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Her response “not only soothed the wounds of Muslims but also assured them that Muslims in their country are safe,” Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, a religious scholar and one of the organisers, said.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2019