Pastor shot, wounded in Jaranwala

Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle shot and wounded a local pastor, Eliezer, as he was heading home after dropping his child off at school.

The attack, allegedly driven by accusations of blasphemy, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Local authorities responded to the incident, with City Police Officer (CPO) Usman Akram Gondal, SSP Operation Dr Rizwan Ahmed Khan, and SP Jaranwala Bilal Sulheri arriving at the scene shortly after receiving the report.

The injured pastor was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

As per the statement of Pastor Eliezer given from his hospital bed, the assailants on the motorcycle confronted him, accusing him of insulting their religion before opening fire.

"I was on my way home when two individuals on a motorcycle stopped me and claimed that I had insulted their religion. They threatened to 'erase my name' and then began shooting at me," he recounted.

In response to the attack, local law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Several police teams have been formed to conduct raids and track down the suspects from multiple angles, official said, emphasising their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the city.

It is worth noting that the injured pastor has filed a case against approximately 150 suspects in a church attack, invoking various legal provisions, including those related to terrorism.

The incident has sparked concern among the local community, while the authorities promised a thorough and swift investigation to ensure the safety and protection of all residents in Jaranwala.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2023.