In a disturbing turn of events, a series of coordinated attacks have struck the Christian community in Pakistan’s Punjab province. 17 churches and several homes were targeted in simultaneous assaults, leaving the minority community shaken and vulnerable.
The attacks are reportedly fueled by allegations of blasphemy, sparking outrage both within the country and internationally.
Local media reports indicate that the attacks took place amidst a climate of tension, with a large crowd of attackers overwhelming the limited security presence at the scene. This lack of security has drawn severe criticism, leading to a heightened sense of concern within the Pakistani government.
The National Human Rights Commission (NCHR) has reported that among the targeted churches, 12 were registered establishments while the remaining five were unregistered. This unsettling revelation underscores the pervasive nature of the attacks and the scale of unrest within the region.
Law enforcement authorities have taken swift action, arresting over 128 individuals believed to be involved in the violent attacks, the NCHR reported.
The detained suspects are expected to face charges related to their participation in the acts of violence. Among the implicated groups are the banned radical factions Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and Ahl-e-Sunnat, who are now facing allegations of inciting violence.
Addressing the situation, Azad Marshall, Moderator/President Bishop Church of Pakistan & Educator said in social media post- “Words fail me as I write this. We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan. A church building is being burnt as I type this message. Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harrased having been falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran. We cry out for justice and action from law enforcement and those who dispense justice and the safety of all citizens to intervene immediately and assure us that our lives are valuable in our own homeland that has just celebrated independence and freedom.”
The situation has prompted a swift response from the Pakistani government. Acting Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, has assured that the government will cover the expenses of repairing and restoring the damaged churches and Christian households within a span of three to four days. This promise seeks to provide solace to the affected community members and reinforce the government’s commitment to their safety and security.
To prevent further incidents, authorities have deployed rangers and a significant number of police personnel to the most affected areas, particularly the Jaranwala district of Faisalabad. Cordons have been placed around Christian communities to thwart potential attackers and ensure the safety of residents. The recent attacks have resulted in vandalism, looting, and damage to properties belonging to the Christian community.
The origin of the violence traces back to allegations involving a desecrated page of the Holy Quran discovered near the residence of two Christian brothers in Cinema Chowk of Jaranwala, the local media reported citing the officals as saying. This incident, which served as a catalyst for the attacks, prompted the imposition of section 144 by the district administration, prohibiting public gatherings apart from government-sanctioned events.
Acting Prime Minister Anwarul Haque has responded to the crisis by instructing the Punjab government to establish a high-level inquiry committee. This committee is tasked with investigating the incident comprehensively, shedding light on the underlying causes and failures in security that led to the escalation of violence.
(With inputs from agencies)
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