Minority Protection Unit
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police established a Minority Protection Unit (MPU). It consists of 70 policemen to safeguard minority places of worship and communities.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the police announced, “We have assigned 70 policemen to the ‘Minority Protection Unit’.”
This action followed a violent incident the previous day, where a mob of hundreds rampaged and set fire to at least five churches in Jaranwala. The mob also targeted residences of Christian community members due to an alleged blasphemy incident.
Furthermore, the mob vandalized a Christian cemetery and the local assistant commissioner’s office. In response, the Punjab government has deployed the Rangers, police personnel, including the Elite Force.
To maintain order, the district administration imposed section 144 for seven days in Faisalabad district.
US asks Pakistan to probe attacks on churches and blasphemy
Meanwhile, the United States urged Pakistan to investigate the mob attacks against churches and Christian homes. On Wednesday, violence erupted in the eastern part of the country amidst rumors of blasphemy.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of men launched an attack on an area predominantly inhabited by Christians in Jaranwala. It is located on the outskirts of the industrial city of Faisalabad.
This attack followed the spreading allegations of the desecration of the Holy Quran. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel informed reporters, “We are deeply concerned about the targeting of churches and homes in response to reported Quran desecration in Pakistan.”
He emphasized that the United States supports the principle of free expression.
However, the use of violence is not an acceptable means of expression, he added.
“We are urging the Pakistani authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations,” he added.
Blasphemy remains a delicate issue in Pakistan, a nation where individuals deemed to have insulted Islam or Islamic figures.
This anti-Christian violence marks the most recent episode of turmoil in the fifth-most populous country globally.
Punjab govt initiates a high-level inquiry
Meanwhile, 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.
