Jaranwala: pressure for compromise alleged
Members of the Christian community chant slogans as they gather to condemn the attacks on churches and houses in Jaranwala town of Faisalabad, during a protest in Karachi, Pakistan August 18, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS
A petitioner from the Christian community has sought the formation of a judicial committee to fairly investigate the recent incident of mob violence in Jaranwala, complaining to the Lahore High Court of being pressured by police officials for a compromise as well as threats by some extremists.
The plea was filed by Peter Charles, chairman of the Grace Bible Fellowship Church Pakistan, through Advocate Shahbaz Fazal Saroya, complaining that the state, local administration and law enforcement authorities had failed to restrain the mob of hundreds of people from torching nearly two dozen churches and attacking residences allegations of blasphemy.
The court was requested ensure action against all rioters identified through CCTV footage and other relevant evidence.
The petitioner prayed to the court to direct the authorities concerned to immediately provide financial and administrative resources to victims so they that could resume routine life without facing any serious consequences.
He complained that the mob carrying clubs, rods, chemicals and petrol bombs had attacked property of the Christian community.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2023.