WASHINGTON: The United States has called for an investigation while showing deep concerns over attacks on churches and homes in Jaranwala, a Pakistani town in the Faisalabad district, following the alleged desecration of the Holy Quran.
On Wednesday, Vendant Patel, Spokesperson for the State Department, told reporters at his routine press briefing while responding to a question, “We are deeply concerned that homes and churches were attacked following reported Quran desecration in Pakistan.”
He said, “We support the right to freedom of religion and belief for everybody and peaceful freedom of expression.”
He added, “As we have repeatedly stated, episodes of violence driven by religion worry us greatly. We firmly believe that using or threatening to use violence is never a proper form of expression. Thus, we call on the Pakistani government to thoroughly investigate these claims and request calm from all parties.
No fatalities have been reported during the incident, but police have made over 100 arrests, according to media sources. Additionally, it stated that the videos of the incidents were being examined using scientific techniques. The Rangers had also been called to maintain peace in the area. —APP
