Christian Settlement in Pakistan Attacked by Muslim Mob, Hundreds Flee Homes
LAHORE, Pakistan – A Christian settlement in Jaranwala, eastern Pakistan, has been cordoned off by paramilitary troops after a Muslim mob vandalized and torched several churches and houses. The attack occurred on Wednesday and lasted for over 10 hours, with no intervention from the police who were present at the scene, according to residents and community leaders.
The violence erupted after two men living in the settlement were accused of desecrating the Koran. The rioters demanded that the accused men be handed over to them. Thousands of Muslims, led by local clerics, armed themselves with iron rods, sticks, knives, and daggers during the rioting.
A provincial government statement confirmed that paramilitary troops were deployed to assist the police in controlling the situation. The settlement has been cordoned off with barbed wire, blocking all entry and exit points.
As a result of the attack, hundreds of Christians have sought refuge in a nearby district. Akmal Bhatti, a community leader, reported that at least 50 houses were completely gutted, and the churches are still smoldering. He also mentioned that the attackers looted small valuables from the houses before setting them on fire.
Provincial government leader Mohsi Naqvi stated that it will take three to four days to restore complete order in the area. He promised to compensate the Christian community for their losses, emphasizing that it is the government’s responsibility to do so.
Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to ensure the protection of minorities. The organization described the mob attacks as the latest manifestation of the threat of vigilante violence faced by anyone accused of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Over 100 suspected rioters have been arrested, according to a government statement. An inquiry into the incident has also been ordered. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and while no one has been executed for it, many accused individuals have been lynched by outraged crowds.
Accusations of blasphemy are sometimes used to settle personal scores, according to rights groups. The delay in trials by judges, who fear retribution if they are seen as being too lenient, has resulted in hundreds of people languishing in prison on blasphemy charges.
The United States has expressed deep concern over the targeting of churches and homes. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel called on Pakistani authorities to take action to protect religious minorities.
Reporting by Asif Shahzad in Islamabad; Additional reporting by a Reuters TV cameraman in Jaranwala; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Simon Cameron-Moore, Alexandra Hudson
How has the government of Pakistan responded to the attack on the Christian settlement and what measures are they taking to ensure the safety and security of religious minorities?
Statement condemned the attack and stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence. It also assured residents of the Christian settlement that their safety and security would be ensured.
In response to the attack, hundreds of Christian families have fled their homes and sought refuge with relatives or in nearby cities. Many are afraid to return, fearing further violence and persecution.
Jaranwala, a small town with a significant Christian minority, has a history of tensions between Muslims and Christians. Incidents of discrimination and harassment against Christians are not uncommon in this area.
The attack on the Christian settlement has once again highlighted the religious tensions and violence faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. Christians make up a small fraction of the country’s predominantly Muslim population and often face discrimination, persecution, and blasphemy allegations.
The government of Pakistan has a responsibility to protect and ensure the safety of all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is crucial that swift action is taken to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice and to prevent further violence against religious minorities in the country.
International human rights organizations and the international community have a role to play in condemning such attacks and pressuring the Pakistani government to take concrete steps towards protecting the rights and safety of religious minorities. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and it is imperative that it is upheld and respected in Pakistan and around the world.
