In Pakistan, 128 accused have been booked under provisions such as damage to public and private property and interference in government in connection with the attacks and arson attacks on the Christian population in Jaranwala, Faisalabad, Punjab province on Wednesday. Has been arrested.
The Punjab government has announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident, saying that the incident was a ‘systematic conspiracy’ to disrupt the atmosphere of peace in Pakistan, in which those involved will be brought to justice.
Inspector. General Police Punjab. Dr Usman Anwar. He told BBC’s Asia Ansar that overall the situation in the city is peaceful at the moment and 3500 police personnel including Rangers have been deployed in Jaranwala to control the law and order situation.
IG Punjab has confirmed the arrest of 128 accused involved in arson and vandalism and said that all measures have been taken to protect the Christian community.
After this incident, Section 144 was imposed in Faisalabad district late on Wednesday night for the next seven days under which all kinds of protests and meetings are banned. According to a notification issued by the administration, all public and private institutions will remain closed today (Thursday) in Tehsil Jaranwala.
It should be remembered that after the incident of alleged desecration of the Quran on Wednesday morning, several churches were set on fire by the angry protesters attacking the Christian population, while the houses of the Christian citizens in the Christian Colony were also destroyed in the government buildings. Vandalism was also done.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab government, after the news of the alleged desecration of the Quran came to light, a large crowd of five to six thousand people gathered at different places in Jaranwala and attacked various areas of the Christian community. And tried to attack the buildings.
On the other hand, the spokesperson of the US State Department, Vidant Patel, has issued a statement in the context of the attack on the Christian population during a briefing.
He said that we are deeply concerned that churches and residential areas have been targeted in Pakistan in response to the alleged desecration of the Quran. We support freedom of expression in a peaceful manner and the right of people to practice their religion and belief.
“Violence or threat of violence is never an acceptable form of expression and we call on the Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and urge those involved to remain peaceful,” he added. Let’s go.’
In videos uploaded on social media after the incident, protesters can be seen vandalizing Christian property while the police appear to be silent spectators.
