JARANWALA, PUNJAB – Tension escalated in Jaranwala as an enraged mob ignited fires in multiple churches in response to allegations of blasphemy involving a Christian man. Law enforcement has invoked blasphemy provisions and registered a case, while the city remains on edge.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), two Christian individuals have been accused of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet of Islam and desecrating the Quran at Jaranwala’s Cinema Chowk. When the police arrived at the scene following the reported incident, pages of the Quran bearing offensive language were discovered, written in red ink, and the accused managed to flee.
The aftermath of the event saw an infuriated crowd congregating near a local church. Demonstrators within the assembly proceeded to vandalize and eventually set the church ablaze. Additionally, reports emerged that the Assistant Commissioner’s office was ransacked during the tumultuous aftermath.
Residents of the Christian community in the vicinity reportedly felt compelled to vacate their homes due to safety concerns. Punjab Police’s Inspector General, Usman Anwar, confirmed ongoing efforts to engage with the protesters through negotiation. He mentioned the presence of a major church and several smaller ones in the region.
Videos circulated on social media depicted a person urging residents to emerge from their homes through mosque loudspeakers. Another video featured a local police officer attempting to assure agitators that the accused would be apprehended and legal action taken. However, the enraged crowd demanded immediate punitive measures.
Dr. Azad Marshall, head of the National Council of Churches of Pakistan, strongly condemned the incident on the ‘X’ platform (formerly Twitter). Marshall expressed distress over the burning of churches and religious properties, the desecration of the Bible, and the persecution of Christians. He urged prompt intervention from justice institutions.
This incident echoes a similar occurrence in 2009, when Gujra Tehsil in the Toba Tek Singh district witnessed the burning of Christian homes and the loss of seven lives due to blasphemy-related unrest.
Blasphemy Charges Lead to Arrest of Hindu Citizen in Rahim Yar Khan
RAHIM YAR KHAN – A Hindu citizen faces arrest on charges of blasphemy in Rahim Yar Khan, prompting authorities to relocate the accused’s family members to a safer location.
The alleged incident of blasphemy transpired in Chak No. 75 P West of Rahim Yar Khan district. The accused, Akbar Ram, has been taken into custody and sent to jail on judicial remand following a registered case against him.
On August 11, police received information indicating the alleged blasphemy incident, involving derogatory messages about Muslim holy places sent by a Hindu boy on his mobile phone. As word spread within the village, local residents became incensed. Authorities have reported that the incident appears to have originated from a conversation between friends discussing religion on WhatsApp.
Prompt police response prevented an attack on the accused, as an agitated crowd gathered outside the police station. Concerns for the safety of the accused’s family prompted their relocation to another location.
Rahim Yar Khan has a significant Hindu population, and this incident follows a prior event in 2021 where the Bhong Mandir was set ablaze and vandalized in response to blasphemy allegations.
Background of Blasphemy-Related Cases in Pakistan
Pakistan has witnessed a series of blasphemy-related incidents over the years, often leading to social unrest, legal proceedings, and international attention. Blasphemy laws in the country have been a subject of debate, with concerns raised about their potential misuse to target religious minorities and settle personal scores. Here are some notable instances that have contributed to the contentious nature of blasphemy in Pakistan:
- The Blasphemy Laws:
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are enshrined in Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. These laws criminalize insults to the Prophet Muhammad, desecration of the Quran, and defiling religious places. Conviction under these laws can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and even the death penalty. - Salman Taseer Case (2011):
Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer was assassinated by his own security guard in 2011 after Taseer voiced concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws in the case of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who was later acquitted of blasphemy charges. - Aasia Bibi Case (2018):
Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman, spent nearly a decade on death row after being accused of blasphemy. Her acquittal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018 prompted violent protests led by religious extremists and resulted in a nationwide security crackdown. - Mashal Khan Case (2017):
Mashal Khan, a university student, was lynched by a mob on his campus in Mardan in 2017 over false allegations of blasphemy. The incident sparked outrage and raised concerns about vigilantism. - Attack on Bhong Mandir (2021):
In 2021, an ancient Hindu temple in Rahim Yar Khan, the Bhong Mandir, was attacked and set on fire by a mob after a Hindu boy was accused of blasphemy. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of religious minority communities and their places of worship. - Rimsha Masih Case (2012):
Rimsha Masih, a Christian girl with Down syndrome, was accused of blasphemy after allegedly burning pages containing Quranic verses. She was eventually acquitted due to lack of evidence, but the case garnered international attention and underscored the need for cautious handling of blasphemy accusations. - Challenges and Concerns:
Blasphemy accusations often lead to public outrage, mob violence, and even extrajudicial killings. Critics argue that the laws are used to target religious minorities and settle personal vendettas, with allegations sometimes based on flimsy evidence or even fabricated charges. The fear of backlash has led to a chilling effect on freedom of expression and religious diversity in Pakistan.
As these incidents continue to shape discussions about religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the rights of minorities in Pakistan, calls for reforming or reevaluating the blasphemy laws have grown stronger both domestically and internationally.
August 17,2023
Source: Various newspapers–Dawn,Express Tribune