FAISALABAD: Pakistani police on Thursday claimed to have arrested 128 people in connection with the desecration of churches and the attack and burning of several homes in the Christian community in the eastern city of Faisalabad.
The violence erupted on August 16 after two Christian men were accused of desecrating the Holy Quran in Jarnawala city, a part of Faisalabad.
The Punjab police reported that they registered five cases against those who had incited mobs and led the attacks on churches and homes belonging to the Christian community. The charges included various sections, some of which pertained to terrorism.
In response to the incident, paramilitary forces were deployed to the area, leading to the apprehension of approximately 128 individuals thus far, as stated by a spokesperson from the Capital Police Office (CPO).
Police sources indicated that the incidents were allegedly triggered by the desecration allegations involving the Holy Quran. A violent mob attacked and set fire to five churches and dozens of houses belonging to the minority Christian community.
The police said that the security measures have been heightened around places of worship and residential areas inhabited by minority communities. The spokesperson underlined the district police’s priority of safeguarding mosques, Imambargahs, and churches.
Earlier today, the Pakistan Foreign Office conveyed that there is no refuge for those involved in such incidents.
Attacks Churches Unacceptable
The Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir also strongly reacted to the Jaranwala incident saying the incident was extremely tragic and totally unacceptable. There is no space for such extreme behavior and incidents of intolerance by any segment of society against anyone, especially against minorities.
COAS stressed that all citizens are equal irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or creed.
