Christian Churches and Property Attacked by Muslim Mob in Pakistan

author: FutureCar Staff    

A crowd in majority-Muslim Pakistan attacked a Christian locality in the eastern part of the country, resulting in the burning of several buildings, including churches. The incident took place in Jaranwala, a small town in the industrial district of Faisalabad, after a Christian boy was accused of desecrating the Quran, Islam's holy book. Pakistani authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of the damage caused to the minority community, but Christian leaders have reported significant destruction to multiple churches and houses.

Azad Marshall, the moderator bishop of the Church of Pakistan, expressed deep distress over the incident, stating that Bibles had been desecrated and Christians had been falsely accused and mistreated. Marshall called for immediate action from Pakistani authorities to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safety of all citizens. Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, also promised "stern action" against those responsible for the attack, assuring the public that the government stands with its citizenry.

Akmal Bhatti, the head of Minorities Alliance Pakistan, revealed that the mob had set fire to at least five churches and looted valuables from abandoned houses. Bhatti criticized the police for failing to provide adequate security for the Christian community, even after warnings were issued by Islamist clerics. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the assault on the Christian neighborhood and accused the government of neglecting the protection of religious minorities.

Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, and allegations alone have resulted in the lynching of numerous suspects, some even while in police custody. The country's blasphemy laws prescribe death as the punishment for insulting the Quran or Islamic beliefs, although no executions have taken place. Critics argue that the blasphemy laws are often misused for personal vendettas, and many suspects, mostly Muslims, remain incarcerated due to external pressures that deter judges from expediting their trials.

The United States' annual report on the human rights situation in Pakistan highlighted concerns raised by civil society organizations regarding the reluctance of judges to acquit individuals accused of blasphemy, fearing vigilante violence. The report also noted that religious minorities were disproportionately affected by blasphemy-related cases, with lower courts often failing to uphold evidentiary standards. As a result, many convicted individuals spend years in jail before higher courts eventually overturn their convictions or order their release.

FutureCar Staff