Dozens arrested for violence and vandalism of churches in Jaranwala, Faisalabad

Dozens of people are reported to be arrested for violence and vandalism of churches in Jaranwala, Faisalabad on Wednesday.

In a statement, interim Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir said that “dozens of people who disturbed peace” in the area have been detained.

The development comes following the incidents of violence in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala over blasphemy allegations.

The minister said that the violence in Jaranwala was done under a “well-thought-out conspiracy” and that in today’s incidents, no one was injured nor was there any loss of life.

“Punjab chief secretary and Inspector General of Punjab Police have reached Jaranwala on the instructions of caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, he added.

“There was a plan to disturb the peace by inciting public sentiments. After the desecration of the Holy Quran, the angry protesters reacted strongly,” he said, adding “the situation in Faisalabad is fully under control now.”

The provincial information minister also said that the investigation into the tragic incident of the desecration of the holy book is underway at a fast pace.

He added that anyone who tries to take the law into his hands would be arrested immediately.

“The security of churches has been tightened and a large number of law enforcers have been deployed. More than 6,000 policemen and Rangers personnel are present in the affected areas,” he added.

It was reported earlier that paramilitary Rangers were called to the area to control the law and order situation.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar taking notice of the incident, vowed to take “stern action” against culprits involved in church vandalism in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala.

He directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits behind the vandalism of churches in Jaranwala.

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

According to Jaranwala pastor Imran Bhatti, ransacked churches included the Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church situated in the Isa Nagri area.

He added that the mob also demolished the house of a Christian cleaner, accused of blasphemy.