Caretaker PM vows of “stern action” against culprits involved in vandalism of churches in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar vowed to take “stern action” against culprits involved in churches vandalism in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala.
Multiple churches were vandalized in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala over blasphemy allegations and set on fire on Wednesday.
Social media was soon flooded with visuals from the affected areas.
As reported, the incident took place in Jaranwala town of the country’s industrial city of Faisalabad.
Police spokesman Naveed Ahmad said that a violent crowd had attacked the community after two Christians were accused of blasphemy and set several houses on fire.
The development led Faisalabad’s commissioner to request the deployment of two companies of paramilitary Rangers forces in the city to quell the violence in the city.
“I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad,” PM Kakar wrote in a tweet, adding,” 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 with our citizenry on an equal basis.”
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
President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan Azad Marshall in a message shared on X, formerly Twitter, said that Bibles had been desecrated and Christians were tortured and harassed “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,” Bishop Azad Marshall demanded.
He added that all priests, bishops, and lay people were “deeply pained and distressed” at the incident.
The incident has shamed all Pakistanis, condemnations continue to pour in on social media
PML-N President and former-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the incident.
What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing. There is no place for violence in any religion. All religious places, Holy Books and personages are sacred and deserve our highest level of respect. I urge the government to take action against the culprits. I also appeal to…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 16, 2023
Former interior minister Rana Sanaullah also condemned the acts.
Strongly condemn the dastardly attack on the church in Jaranwala today. The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course. Extremism and hatred nullify the fundamental principles of Islam.
— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) August 16, 2023
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari shared his concerns saying he was horrified to hear about today’s attacks.
Horrified to hear about the attack on Churches in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Violating the sanctity of places of worship is absolutely unacceptable. The administration must ensure the safety of the Christian community and their Churches.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 16, 2023
PPP leader and ex-climate change minister Sherry Rehman termed the incident “tragic, terrible, reprehensible on so many levels”.
This is tragic, terrible, reprehensible on so many levels. Unequivocally condemn this act of violent extremism against a place of worship, a Faisalabad church. Pakistan’s non-Muslim citizens are entitled to the same justice, protections and rights we all are. Our religion, our… https://t.co/LaVATLYcB5
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) August 16, 2023
Former senator Afrasiab Khattak also condemned the incident and demanded that the culprits should be brought to book.
This is condemnable. Pakistani state has failed to provide security to the worship places of people who follow religions other than Islam. Impunity to the crimes committed in the name of religion has emboldened extremists and terrorists. Bring the culprits to book. https://t.co/8kSoxB0q6O
— Afrasiab Khattak (@a_siab) August 16, 2023
Senator Sarfaraz Bughti called on the Punjab government to enforce its full might to protect the churches and homes of the Christian community.
We as a Pakistani can’t allow the madness happening in Jaranwala. Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes. We have a responsibility toward the minorities in our country, and we couldn't let the crisis worsen any further!…
— Senator Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) August 16, 2023
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also condemned the incident and in a statement maintained that the “mob-led assault on Christian families, their homes, and sites of worship in Jaranwala” must be condemned in “no uncertain terms”.
… appear to have increased in recent years. Not only has the state failed to protect its religious minorities, but it has also allowed the far right to permeate and fester within society and politics. Both the perpetrators and instigators of this violence…
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) August 16, 2023
