Caretaker Prime Minister condemns attack on Christian Community in Jaranwala

On Wednesday morning, Jaranwala, Faisalabad, became the site of communal violence as multiple churches were burnt amid allegations of blasphemy against two Christian community members. Mobs attacked churches and residential houses along with office of the assistant commissioner of Jaranwala. As yet, Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church situated in the Isa Nagri area along with multiple houses have been burnt. Christian colonies all around the city have been evacuated, while the Lahore-Multan motorway was also blocked by protestors amid a complete shutter down in the city.

Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has asked all law enforcement to apprehend the culprits & bring them to justice and given assurances that stern action will be taken against those who violate law and target minorities.

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 & bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… https://t.co/GHWUGA1fXS

— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023

Politicians from different political parties of Pakistan have raised their concerns, condemned the incident, and shown solidarity with the Christian community of Pakistan.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the incident while saying that government should take action against the culprits.

What is happening in Jaranwala is sad and disturbing. There is no place for violence in any religion. All religious places, 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 Ulama,…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 16, 2023

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party and former Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urged the administration to ensure the safety of the Christian community and their churches.

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

The Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, Riina Kionka, said, “We call for restoring calm & order.”

Disturbing reports out of #Jaranwala. The degree to which a society’s minorities feel safe, in 🇵🇰, in the 🇪🇺, around the 🌏, is a measure of respect for the rule of law, for tolerance of diversity, a core EU value. We call for restoring calm & order. @EUPakistan https://t.co/UvYkdAs4mQ

— Riina Kionka (@RKionka) August 16, 2023

Senator Sarfraz Bugti tweeted, “Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes.”

We as a Pakistani can’t allow the madness happening in Jaranwala. Punjab Govermnet should enforce its full might to protect the Christian churches and homes. We have a responsibility toward the minorities in our country, and we couldn't let the crisis worsen any further!…

— Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) August 16, 2023

Former Interior Minister of Pakistan and President of PMLN Punjab, Rana Sanaullah said, “The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course.”

Strongly condemn the dastardly attack on the church in Jaranwala today. The culprits must be brought to justice at the earliest, and the law should take its due course. Extremism and hatred nullify the fundamental principles of Islam.

— Rana Sana Ullah Khan (@RanaSanaullahPK) August 16, 2023

Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, tweeted that there is no space in Islam for violence.

I condemn brutal act of setting churches on fire in Jaranwala, Faisalabad.Pakistan is not a lawless country and no one can take law into their hands, no matter the urgency. Culprits of this heinous crime shld be apprehended & punished ASAP. There is no space in Islam for violence

— TahirMahmoodAshrafi حافظ محمد طاهراشرفى (@TahirAshrafi) August 16, 2023

Politician and activist Ammar Ali Jan stated that the police is helpless in front of bigots.

Terrible scenes in Jaranwala where a mob is vandalizing a Church in broad daylight. This is the result of years of religious indoctrination & impunity for criminals. The police that is efficient against political workers & ordinary citizens is helpless in front bigots. Shameful! https://t.co/DtDf05GhcY

— Ammar Ali Jan (@ammaralijan) August 16, 2023