An enraged mob vandalized several churches in the Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday, following allegations of blasphemy. In response to the escalating situation, the paramilitary Rangers were called to the area, and Section 144, a law restricting public gatherings, was imposed.
Akmal Bhatti, a Christian leader, reported that the mob torched at least five churches and looted valuables from abandoned houses after mosques made announcements inciting violence against the Christian community. Social media images showed smoke rising from the church buildings and people setting fire to furniture taken from them. A Christian cemetery and the local government office were also vandalized.
The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under sections 295B (defiling, etc., of the Holy Quran) and 295C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The Punjab government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the incident and arrests have been made. The government has condemned the incident as a planned conspiracy to disturb the peace in Pakistan.
Christian leaders have alleged that the police were silent spectators during the vandalism. However, the Punjab police chief has assured that efforts are being made to contain the situation and engage with peace committees.
The incident in Jaranwala comes after a series of blasphemy-related incidents in Pakistan. A recent report revealed that since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, nearly 100 people have been killed over blasphemy allegations. The misuse of blasphemy laws has been highly criticized, and there have been calls to amend the laws to prevent false accusations and provide equal punishment for those who make false claims.
Meanwhile, the government has reassured the Christian community of its support and has promised stern action against those who violate the law and target minorities.
Keywords: Faisalabad, Jaranwala, Pakistan, blasphemy allegations, vandalism, Rangers, Section 144, Christian community, peace committee, Punjab police chief, blasphemy laws, equal punishment