Punjab government initiates a high-level probe into attacks on churches in jaranwala city of faisalabad district

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The interim Punjab government has initiated a high-level inquiry in response to a mob’s action on Wednesday. The protesters set fire to several churches and vandalized homes belonging to Christians.

Authorities have reported the arrest of over 100 individuals.

The mob rampaged through a predominantly Christian locality in Jaranwala city, situated on the outskirts of Faisalabad. The attacks prompted by allegations circulating about the desecration of the Holy Quran.

A spokesperson for the government stated, “We are currently conducting an investigation into the desecration of the Holy Quran and the subsequent incidents. He said that the incidents appear part of a deliberate plan to disrupt peace.”

Meanwhile, the police thwarted attacks on homes and a peace committee played a vital role to prevent similar endeavors.

The mob-led assault on Christian families and their homes and sites of worship in #Jaranwala, Faisalabad, following allegations of blasphemy, must be condemned in no uncertain terms. The frequency and scale of such attacks—which are systematic, violent and often uncontainable—

— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) August 16, 2023

HRCP condemns vandalism in Jaranwala

Additionally, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan highlighted the escalating frequency of such attacks over the past few years. The HRCP described them as systematic, violent, and challenging to contain.

Moreover, the commission suggested the empowerment of specialized police forces to safeguard worship places of minorities.

I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits and bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… https://t.co/GHWUGA1NNq

— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023

Likewise, the caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar demanded severe action against the guilty elements. He said, “I am deeply disturbed.” Mob set fire four churches, Police and rescue officials confirmed.

Additionally, the Punjab Minister Amir Mir said that the violence in Jaranwala appeared a “well-thought-out conspiracy”.

Mir said the situation in Faisalabad is under control now, “There was a plan to disturb the peace in the area. After the desecration of the Holy Quran, the angry protesters reacted strongly.”

The provincial information minister highlighted the deployment of 6,000 policemen and Rangers personnel in the area to control the situation.

Furthermore, the minister conveyed that today’s occurrences resulted in neither injuries nor loss of life.

Meanwhile, the caretaker premier Anwarul Haq Kakar said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala, Faisalabad. He warned of a serious action against the perpetrators of the tragic incidents.”