In Jaranwala, Pakistan, violent mobs assaulted Christian communities, leading to the torching of at least four churches, including the Salvation Army Church and Saint Paul Catholic Church. This aggression came in response to allegations of blasphemy.
Mohammed Naved, an inspector with the Punjab provincial police, shared that the police did their utmost to prevent the attackers from causing more damage to the religious sites.
The situation escalated when two Christian individuals discovered pages from the Quran with disrespectful comments written in red ink. After presenting the pages to a local religious authority, the leader called on the Muslim community to protest and demanded the arrest of those responsible.
Yassir Bhatti, a Christian resident who evacuated his home during the incident, described the havoc: “The aggressors not only vandalized our homes by breaking windows and doors but also set our belongings, including Bibles, on fire in front of the church.”
Amir Mir, Punjab province’s information minister, denounced the supposed blasphemy. He stated that a substantial police force has been deployed in the affected area, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals.
Bishop Azad Marshall expressed the anguish and despair felt by the Christian community due to these events. He pleaded for justice and sought intervention from the legal system, emphasizing the importance of all citizens feeling safe and valued in their homeland.
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