Residents of the Christian settlement of Jaranwala in the district of Faisalabad in eastern Pakistan reported thousands of Muslims led by local clerics were carrying iron rods, sticks, knives, and daggers attacking their town on Wednesday. According to a Reuters report, six churches were burned and 50 houses gutted.
“Words fail me as I write this,” The Bishop of Raiwind and Moderator of the Church of Pakistan, The Most Revd Dr Azad Marshall, wrote. “Reports state that six churches, including a Catholic church and Presbyterian church, have been burned and clergy attacked. We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan. A church building is being burned as I type this message.
“Bibles have been desecrated, and Christians have been tortured and harassed, having been falsely accused of violating the Holy Quran. We cry out for justice and action from law enforcement and those who dispense justice and the safety of all citizens to intervene immediately and assure us that our lives are valuable in our own homeland that has just celebrated independence and freedom.”
Police in eastern Pakistan have arrested 129 Muslim people after the mob angered by an alleged desecration of a Quran attacked the town, SBS reports. “The Christians living in the city of Jaranwala .. quickly moved to safer places as the mob rampaged on Wednesday, and there were no casualties in what was one of the country’s most destructive attacks on Christians.
“Government officials said on Thursday all of the damaged churches and homes would be restored within a week, and those who suffered losses would be compensated.”
Details of how the riot escalated were provided in a report by Nasir Saeed of Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement. “The incident focusses around two Christian brothers, Raja Amir Saleem and Rocky Saleem, hailing from the Cinema Basti area. They have been charged under sections 295 B and C for purportedly desecrating the holy Quran and penning derogatory remarks about the revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“Following the circulation of this news, outrage rippled through the community, resulting in an eruption of aggressive protests. The repercussions were swift and severe, as mobs unleashed attacks on three local churches and numerous Christian residences in an apparent bid to express their indignation…
“The situation worsened as local mosques broadcasted announcements condemning Christians, further exacerbating the already volatile atmosphere. … Disturbing visuals began circulating on social media, unveiling the extent of the destruction caused by the protests. Iconic churches, St. John and St. Peter, fell victim to vandalism and were set ablaze. Nearby Christian homes also bore the brunt of the mob’s actions, resulting in substantial damage…
“As events continue to unfold, fresh reports detail additional church burnings, including the Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroon wala Church in the Isa Nagri area. Disturbing accounts of ransacked Christian homes and escalating violent confrontations are also emerging from various regions. The urgent need for immediate intervention and unwavering support for the affected community remains paramount.”
Image: Mob Attacks Church in Faisalabad Credit: Twitter/@PastorGhazala