Jaranwala Riots: Many Held After Churches, Houses Burnt

Web Desk — Police have arrested more than 100 people on account of their involvement in riots that erupted after alleged blasphemy in Jaranwala, near Faisalabad. Members of the Christian community were targeted during the riots, the interim Punjab government spokesperson has confirmed.

The Punjab government spokesperson said in a statement that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident. Earlier, Punjab’s interim information minister Amir Mir said people who took the law into their hands have been detained.

The minister said that the Jaranwala riots were carried out under a “well-thought-out conspiracy”. Mir said that the angry protestors reacted strongly after the desecration of the Holy Quran and there was a plan to incite the public sentiments to disturb the peace.

According to the minister, investigations were underway on a fast track into the tragic incident of the desecration of the Holy Quran. He categorically stated that anyone who takes the law into his hands will be arrested immediately.

Meanwhile, the security of churches has been beefed up as a large number of law enforcers have been deployed. More than 6,000 policemen and Rangers personnel are present in the affected areas, Mir added.

Interim PM’s condemnation

Caretaker PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar condemned the incident and directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits behind the vandalization of churches in Jaranwala.

“Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands with our citizens on an equal basis,” he added.

Shehbaz and Bilawal condemn the incident

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto have also slammed the incident. Shehbaz Sharif said: “What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing.”

Bilawal Bhutto said on X, “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.”

The incident took place in Jaranwala – an industrial district of Faisalabad. According to police, a mob attacked the Christian community after two Christians were accused of blasphemy.

According to the media, police have also registered an FIR against two people allegedly involved in the desecration of the Holy Quran.