Jaranwala Riots in Pakistan: HRCP Fact-Finding Mission Uncovers Disturbing Findings
A recent fact-finding mission conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has revealed shocking insights into the Jaranwala riots. The mission suspects that the violent mob that attacked and torched churches, residences, and government offices in Jaranwala was not a “spontaneous or random crowd” but rather part of a “larger campaign of hatred against local Christians.”
According to reports, on August 16, a large mob vandalized nearly two dozen churches and targeted the homes of the Christian community in Jaranwala. The estimated damages amounted to millions of rupees. The violence erupted after allegations of desecrated pages of the Holy Quran being found near a house where two Christian brothers resided.
The Punjab caretaker Chief Minister, Moshin Naqvi, confirmed that the main accused in the case had been arrested, and further arrests have been made in connection with the incident since then.
The HRCP fact-finding report indicated that some “Muslim religious groups have raised issues that have created communal tension in the near past” and that videos circulating show members of a religious political party inciting violence. This suggests that there may be larger political and social motivations behind the attack.
The report also revealed that witnesses stated that the arsonists were not from the city but had come from nearby villages. This indicates that the attack was premeditated. The HRCP mission’s inspection of the damage suggests that there was planned arson and deliberate desecration of religious symbols, while looting may have been more opportunistic.
The report also shed light on the role of the local police, raising concerns about the timeliness and strategy employed to restrain the violence. It appears that the police did not fully comprehend the seriousness of the situation and did not take adequate measures to disperse the crowd. The delayed arrival of the Rangers further exacerbated the situation, giving the mobs ample time to cause widespread damage.
In their recommendations, the HRCP called for a review of blasphemy laws to prevent their misuse against minorities and for punishment for making false accusations. They urged the government to implement the recommendations of the 2009 judicial inquiry held after the Gojra riots, ensuring that organized religious groups openly declaring violent action against minorities face consequences. The report also emphasized the need for swift compensation for the Christian community, rebuilding of damaged neighborhoods, action against hate speech, and efforts to promote interfaith harmony.
It is essential for the government to address these disturbing findings and take immediate actions to ensure the safety and protection of religious minorities in Jaranwala and across Pakistan.