Lahore: A disturbing incident unfolded on Wednesday in the Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, Pakistan, as multiple churches were attacked by a mob of over 100 people over blasphemy allegations. The mob reportedly stormed a local Christian neighbourhood, setting ablaze at least one church and ransacking others, including the Salvation Army Church, one of the oldest in the area, as well as the United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church, located in Isa Nagri.
Reports suggest that locals accused the police of being passive bystanders while the mob vandalized the churches and even set homes on fire. This incident has raised concerns about protecting religious minorities and the rule of law in Pakistan.
The mob was reportedly incited through loudspeakers from local mosques, using reports of alleged desecration of religious scriptures by three Christians as a pretext for their actions. Videos and messages posted on social media platforms also seem to have contributed to escalating tensions in the area.
FIRs (First Information Reports) were lodged against the individuals accused of blasphemy under Sections 295B and 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which pertain to the desecration of the Holy Quran and derogatory remarks against the Holy Prophet, respectively.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters, with religious leaders, politicians, and civil society members expressing their concerns over the deteriorating situation. In a statement on social media, the Chief of the Church of Pakistan, Azad, called for justice, decrying the attack on churches, desecration of Bibles, and torturing Christians falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar took to social media to express his regret over the tragedy. He assured that strict action would be taken against those who targeted minorities by violating the law. Kakar emphasized that the government stands by its minorities and that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to arrest the culprits involved in the incidents and punish them accordingly.
The attack has also garnered attention from international observers and activists. Senator Sarfraz Bugti called for the Punjab government to enforce its full might to protect Christian churches and homes, emphasizing the responsibility of Pakistanis to ensure the safety of religious minorities. Activist and actor Nadia Jamil condemned the attack, urging decisive action against those responsible.
Amidst the condemnation, concerns have been raised about the rise of extremism and religious intolerance in Pakistan. The National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) condemned the attack and expressed alarm over the growing number of such incidents. The NCHR dispatched a team to the site and called for the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators to ensure the rule of law.
This incident highlights the urgent need for Pakistan to address religious intolerance, mob violence, and the misuse of blasphemy laws. Blasphemy allegations have been a contentious issue in the country, often leading to violence and persecution against religious minorities. The incident in Jaranwala is a stark reminder of the country’s challenges in ensuring the protection of its diverse population and upholding the principles of justice and equality.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the eyes of the nation and the international community remain focused on the case, hoping for justice to prevail and for steps to be taken to prevent such incidents. The incident also underscores the importance of fostering interfaith harmony and promoting understanding among different religious communities in Pakistan to combat religious intolerance and promote social cohesion.