Churches and homes targeted in Pakistan after blasphemy claims

author: FutureCar Staff    

Hundreds of people armed with batons and sticks have attacked churches in Jaranwala, Punjab province, Pakistan. The attacks were in response to the alleged desecration of the holy Quran by two Christian residents. Videos on social media show the mob setting ablaze the Salvation Army Church and the Saint Paul Catholic Church, as well as attacking private homes. The police are attempting to control the situation and have filed a report against the Christian residents under Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

Paramilitary Rangers have been deployed to Jaranwala to address the religious conflict and maintain law and order. The controversy began when torn pages of the Quran with alleged blasphemous content were found near the Christian colony. A local religious leader urged Muslims to protest and demand the arrest of the culprits. Witnesses report that a large crowd gathered outside the church and later attacked the Christian colony, damaging smaller churches in the process.

Akmal Bhatti, chairman of Minorities Alliance Pakistan, condemned the incident and criticized the mob for using blasphemy laws to justify their actions. More than 150 families residing in the Christian colony have evacuated due to the tense situation. Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan often lead to widespread violence, and human rights groups have raised concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws. According to the Centre for Social Justice, over 2,000 people have been accused of blasphemy since 1987, resulting in at least 88 deaths.

FutureCar Staff