‘Tragic, intolerable’: COAS vows to bring culprits of Jaranwala incident to justice

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday termed the Jaranwala incident “extremely tragic and totally intolerable”, the military said in a statement.

A day earlier, a mob vandalised and torched several churches and scores of houses after two men living there were accused of desecrating the Holy Quran, police and witnesses said.

The attack took place in Jaranwala in the industrial district of Faisalabad on Wednesday, and continued for more than 10 hours without any intervention by police who were at the scene, residents and community leaders said. Police denied the accusation, saying security forces had prevented an even worse situation.

The rioters were demanding that the two accused men, who had fled their homes, be handed over to them.

Residents said thousands of people led by local clerics were carrying iron rods, sticks, knives and daggers during the rioting.

Read Over 100 held for vandalising churches

A provincial government statement said paramilitary troops were deployed to help police control the situation.

“There is no space for such incidents of intolerance and extreme behaviour by any segment of the society against anyone, particularly against minorities,” the COAS was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He said this while addressing the participants of the yearly ISPR Internship Programme being attended by over 370 students from various universities across Pakistan.

Gen Munir said that all citizens of Pakistan are equal amongst each other irrespective of religion, gender, caste or creed. He emphasised that no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands and those culpable of committing such crimes will be brought before the court of justice.

While addressing the participants, the army chief emphasised the role of youth towards national development. “Youth is future of Pakistan, which can contribute immensely towards peace, progress and prosperity of the country,” he added.

The army chief also highlighted the efforts of inimical forces towards creating and fomenting fissures, intolerance, mistrust and violent behaviour among the people to spread anarchy and unrest in the country.

“It’s imperative for the youth to discern the difference between truth, half-truth, lies, misinformation and disinformation,” the COAS remarked.

In the end, the army chief appreciated the young internees for successfully completing the programme.