A Muslim mob launched a violent attack on a Christian locality in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, resulting in the burning of one church, the damaging of two others, and the destruction of a man’s house. The incident occurred in the Faisalabad district of eastern Punjab. Local police chief Rizwan Khan reported that the mob targeted the Christian colony following accusations made by some neighboring Muslims against a local Christian named Raja Amir and his friend, alleging that they had desecrated pages of the Quran.
The accusations fueled anger among the Muslim population, leading to their gathering at the scene. Subsequently, the demonstrators initiated assaults on multiple churches, prompting the intervention of the police who dispersed the crowd using batons. Authorities are actively working to restore order in the Jaranwala area where the attack transpired.
Police are in the process of registering cases against those responsible for the desecration of the Quran. Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attacks on the churches and the properties owned by Christians. The safety of the Christian community was prioritized, and additional police forces were deployed to the Christian colony to ensure their protection.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are stringent, imposing the death penalty for anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures. Even the mere accusation of blasphemy can trigger violent riots, despite the fact that authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence based on blasphemy charges.