ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar strongly condemned the incident of burning churches in the Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad following allegations of blasphemy.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation for its implications on religious freedom and communal harmony.
Taking to X, formally Twitter, the Caretaker Prime Minister expressed his outrage over the incident and pledged stern action against those responsible for targeting minorities. His tweet read, “I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala, Faisalabad.” He firmly stated that individuals violating the law and perpetrating violence against minorities would face justice.
Kakar further stated that law enforcement agencies had been directed to take immediate action against the culprits and bring them to justice.
I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits and bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… https://t.co/GHWUGA1NNq
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023
The Caretaker Prime Minister also reassured the public that the government stands alongside its citizens on an equal basis, reaffirming the commitment to uphold the principles of equality, tolerance, and respect for all.
Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also took to Twitter to condemn the incident, expressing his horror at the totally unacceptable attack on churches in Jaranwala.
Horrified to hear about the attack on Churches in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Violating the sanctity of places of worship is absolutely unacceptable. The administration must ensure the safety of the Christian community and their Churches.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 16, 2023
President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reacted to the incident and described it as both sorrowful and disturbing. He emphasized that violence has no place in any religion, advocating for the importance of peaceful coexistence.
What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing. There is no place for violence in any religion. All religious places, Holy Books and personages are sacred and deserve our highest level of respect. I urge the government to take action against the culprits. I also appeal to…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 16, 2023
What Really Happened in Jarawala?
In a deeply distressing incident, multiple churches in the Isa Nagri area of Jaranwala, including the Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church, were set ablaze by a mob. The incident has sparked outrage and concern over religious freedom and communal harmony.
Bishop Azad Marshall, the President of the diocese of Raiwind Church of Pakistan, expressed his profound distress over the situation. He revealed that amidst the chaos, a church building was set on fire, Bibles were desecrated, and the Christian community was subjected to torture and harassment.
Bishop Marshall shared his sentiments on social media, stating, “Words fail me as I write this. We, Bishops, Priests, and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident.” He emphasized that Christians were falsely accused of disrespecting the Holy Quran.
Calling for justice and immediate intervention, Bishop Azad Marshall urged law enforcement and those responsible for dispensing justice to step in and ensure the safety of all citizens. He expressed the need for reassurance that the lives of citizens are valued in their homeland, particularly in the aftermath of Pakistan’s recent celebration of independence and freedom.
