On Thursday, Jaranwala police filed terror complaints against over 600 persons for “vandalising multiple churches and torching homes belonging to the Christian community.”
A mob of 500-600 individuals, led by a group of people, “attacked the Christian community, ransacked people’s homes after entering them, and torched Christians’ homes and the church building,” according to the FIR.
Sections 7(1)(d), 7(1)(j), 7(1)(g), and 7(1)(h) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 were cited in the FIR.
Sections 148, 149, 153A, 186, 295, 295A, 324, 353, 427, 436, and 452 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) were also used. Sections 5 and 6 of the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act 2015 were also included in the FIR.
Meanwhile, in accordance with directions issued by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq, the Punjab government has formed a high-level investigative committee to probe the incident.
Punjab police claimed in a statement that they had made over 100 arrests, and Rangers were also taken in.
In view of the situation, the district administration has implemented Section 144 for seven days, prohibiting all forms of assembly save government-organized activities.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was alerted to happenings in Punjab’s Faisalabad district’s Jaranwala city.
PM Kakar stated on X (previously Twitter), “I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala, Faisalabad.”
“Stern action will be taken against those who violate the law and target minorities,” he promised. All law enforcement agencies have been asked to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. Rest confident that the government of Pakistan stands on an equal footing with our citizens.”
Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif tweeted on X, “What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing.” Violence has no place in any faith. All religious sites, Holy Books, and individuals are precious and deserve our utmost respect.”
“I strongly urge the government to take action against the perpetrators.” I also call on Ulema, Mashaykh, and religious intellectuals from all schools of thought to speak out and denounce the heinous deeds. Such lunacy cannot be tolerated. “All religious minorities have a right to exist in Pakistan,” he continued.
