Government of Pakistan’s Interim PM, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, expressed a strong commitment to take decisive action against the group responsible for assaulting Christians and igniting churches in the eastern town Jaranwala, Faisalabad Pakistan.
The incident occurred in the town of Jaranwala within Faisalabad, a key industrial city. Reports by police spokesman Naveed Ahmad confirm that a violent mob targeted the Christian community following allegations of Quran desecration, resulting in the attack on two Christians accused of blasphemy and the destruction of multiple homes.
#WATCH: Mob attacks a Christian community in Pakistan’s #Faisalabad city, setting scores of houses on fire after accusing its members of desecrating the Holy Qu’ran, police and community leaders said.
–https://t.co/psv4vP5U6l pic.twitter.com/BjRA8jOnjj— Arab News Pakistan (@arabnewspk) August 16, 2023
Kakar shared his distress over the situation, posting on the X platform, “The scenes emerging from Jaranwala, #Faisalabad, are deeply troubling. Stringent measures will be taken against those who defy the law and harm minority groups.” He pledged that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to apprehend all individuals involved in the incident and hold them accountable.
According to media accounts, police efforts to pacify the enraged crowd were hindered by the assembly of a large group that blocked a nearby highway.
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An official notification seen by Arab News revealed that Faisalabad’s commissioner requested the urgent deployment of two paramilitary Rangers units to restore order and quell the violence in the city.
The notification stated, “Despite the diligent efforts of the police, the law and order situation remains volatile and sensitive. Therefore, we urgently request the deployment of two companies of Rangers or an adequate armed force to swiftly address the escalating law and order issues in Tehsil Jaranwala, District Faisalabad.”
Akmal Bhatti, a prominent Christian leader, reported that the mob set fire to at least five churches and looted valuables from abandoned homes following provocative announcements made by clerics in local mosques.
While police provided minimal details about the events, several social media posts documented the fires engulfing churches, homes, and personal belongings.
