- Punjab government labels it a “strategically planned effort” to disrupt peace.
- Over 100 arrests made, according to authorities.
- US deeply troubled by targeting of churches and homes.
Lahore, August 17, 2023 — The interim Punjab government has taken swift action in response to the disturbing incident of vandalism and arson that occurred in Faisalabad. A mob attacked several churches and homes belonging to Christians, leading to a wave of outrage within the community. Authorities have reported the arrest of over 100 individuals linked to the violent rampage.
The mob’s destructive path cut through a primarily Christian locality on the outskirts of Faisalabad. The unrest followed allegations that the Holy Quran had been desecrated, prompting immediate public outcry. The provincial government issued a statement confirming the initiation of a high-level investigation to uncover the truth behind the alleged desecration and the subsequent disturbances.
Describing the attack as a “well thought out plan to disrupt peace,” a spokesperson for the provincial government expressed the commitment to uncover all aspects of the incident. Authorities revealed that police successfully intervened to prevent the attackers from targeting minority homes, and a “peace committee” was formed to prevent future such incidents.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has drawn attention to the increasing frequency and magnitude of attacks on religious sites, particularly against religious minorities. The commission has called for the establishment and proper equipping of specialized police forces to safeguard places of worship for religious minorities, as directed by a 2014 Supreme Court ruling.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the violence and called for strict action against those responsible. “The distressing visuals from the incident deeply trouble me,” he remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Police and rescue officials confirmed that at least four churches were set ablaze during the rampage, while residents stated that up to a dozen structures with church affiliations sustained damage.
A massive deployment of law enforcement officers, numbering in the thousands, was dispatched to secure the affected area. Punjab province’s information minister, Amir Mir, affirmed these measures and denounced the alleged blasphemy that sparked the turmoil.
A firsthand account from Yasir Bhatti, a Christian resident, revealed the extent of the mob’s rampage. Bhatti described how the attackers destroyed windows, doors, and household items before setting them ablaze. Bibles were also targeted and desecrated, highlighting the ruthless nature of the attack.
Blasphemy remains a sensitive and contentious issue in Pakistan, with severe consequences for those accused of insulting Islamic principles or figures. Bishop Azad Marshall, situated in Lahore, expressed the deep pain and distress felt by the Christian community in the wake of the incident. He implored for justice and immediate intervention to ensure the safety of all citizens, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to uphold justice.
The United States has voiced its concern over the incident and urged Pakistani authorities to investigate the attacks on churches and Christian homes. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel emphasized that while freedom of expression is upheld, violence or threats of violence are never acceptable forms of expression. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations and appealed for calm amidst the tensions.
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As the investigation unfolds, the Punjab government’s commitment to addressing the issue and restoring peace remains paramount. The incident has underscored the urgent need for safeguarding religious sites and fostering a climate of tolerance and understanding in Pakistan.
