Christian couple killed for 'desecrating Holy Quran' near Lahore: police

Shahbaz Sharif has constituted a three-member committee to fast track the investigation of the killings


Afp November 04, 2014

LAHORE: An enraged Muslim mob beat a Christian couple to death near Lahore and burnt their bodies in the brick kiln where they worked on Tuesday for allegedly desecrating the Holy Quran, police said.

The incident took place at the town of Kot Radha Kishan, some 60 kilometres (40 miles) of Lahore, and is the latest example of mob violence against minorities accused of blasphemy.

"A mob attacked a Christian couple after accusing them of desecration of the Holy Quran and later burnt their bodies at a brick kiln where they worked," local police station official Bin-Yameen told AFP.

"Yesterday an incident of desecration of the Holy Quran took place in the area and today the mob first beat the couple and later set their bodies on fire at a brick kiln," he added.

Another police official confirmed the incident. The victims were only identified by their first names, Shama and Shehzad, and were a married couple.

Pakistan's brick kiln workers are often subject to harsh practices, with a study by the Bonded Labour Liberation Front Pakistan estimating that 4.5 million are indentured labourers.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has constituted a three-member committee to fast track the investigation of the killings and ordered police to beef up security at Christian neighbourhoods in the province, an official from his media office told AFP.

Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, with allegations often prompting mob violence.

A Christian woman has been on death row since November 2010 after she was found guilty of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) during an argument with a Muslim woman.

COMMENTS (81)

Fm | 9 years ago | Reply

Mr. Dean either you are part of the govt. machinery or bought by it. You do not see everything happening in Punjab only. Still appreciating the admin I think you are blind or well obliged. The purpose of campaign is to see judicial results and outcome of Asia Bibi case and the killers of the Punjab Governor and Shabaz Bhatti shame on you if you do see. The outcome of Lahore Basti case. No matter how much money you pay to show your generosity or buy people will all the people come back to life. Will the children ever get their parents back. That stupid Kadari is inspiring even police to kill people in the jail a pastor was killed under the nose of the CM and PM I think you are paid and bought writer wake up

Mushtaq Dean | 9 years ago | Reply

Murder of Christian couple in Pakistan

The report of murder of Christian couple, labor at brick kiln, by unruly crowd has been circulated worldwide through national and international print and electronic media. The incident is said to be a result of blasphemous act that the couple had committed.

It is grumbled that the blasphemous act, in many cases, is misused by powerful and influential persons when they want to settle their account with their foes who happen to be weak and feebly settled in society.

The affected rather ruined family is grateful to those who shared with them their irreparable loss through words of sympathy. The message becomes more comforting, solicitous and consoling when we see it coming from a distinguished people including Ex-president Zardari, MQM chief Altaf Hussain, Chief of Islamic Counsil Moulana Tahir Ashrafi, MNAS, MPAS and many other renowned Islamic scholars.

Thankfully, in such a disastrous situation, we have a sensitive and responsible government. Chief Minister, Shahbaz Shrif, reputed for his alertness towards the administration, went into spontaneous action. He has established a high powered inquiring squad, has granted prodigious amount of money for the distressed folks.

Such timely, caring and generous attitude will not sooth the wounds of wounded only but also win applause and admiration from all quarters, in particular from the minorities.

Prime Minister, Mr Nawaz Shrif, is equally watchful of the incident taking keen interest. Many anxiously waiting for the outcome of the inquiry wishing the result to be full of retribution for the criminals.

Mushtaq Dean

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