The Punjab government has taken significant actions to address the recent incident of the ransacking of churches in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala town. Following allegations of blasphemy, the government has formed 10 joint investigations teams (JITs) to thoroughly probe multiple cases related to the incident.
On August 16, a violent mob vandalized and set fire to nearly two dozen churches in Jaranwala. The attack also targeted the homes of Christian community members and the local assistant commissioner’s office. The district administration in Faisalabad estimates that the damages caused to the 22 churches amounted to approximately Rs29.1 million. Additionally, 91 houses were damaged, resulting in losses of around Rs38.5 million.
The violence erupted after some locals claimed to have found desecrated pages of the Holy Quran near a house where two Christian brothers resided in Cinema Chowk, Jaranwala. The Punjab caretaker Chief Minister, Moshin Naqvi, announced that the “main accused” in the case had been arrested and held in custody by the Counter Terrorism Department. Since then, more arrests have been made in relation to the incident.
The formation of the JITs has been done under the jurisdiction of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, with the aim of conducting comprehensive investigations into the matter. It is a significant step towards ensuring a prompt and fair examination of the case.
In a separate development, the Punjab Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, has denied reports of the arrest of a pastor connected to the incident. The news claimed that a pastor named Amjad Alam had been arrested in Faisalabad. However, Dr. Anwar clarified that no such arrest had taken place. He further emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to avoid spreading misinformation.
The formation of JITs and the continuous efforts by the Punjab government and law enforcement demonstrate a commitment to maintain peace, investigate the incident thoroughly, and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is crucial to prioritize harmony and understanding among different communities in the pursuit of a united and peaceful society.