Delay in Jaranwala commission questioned
A man walks amid debris of houses torched along a street near Saint John Church in Jaranwala on August 17, 2023, PHOTO: AFP
Lahore High Court has issued a stern warning to the provincial government regarding the perceived lack of seriousness in forming a judicial commission to investigate the Jaranwala incident.
During the proceedings, Justice Asim Hafeez expressed his displeasure at the non-appearance of the chief secretary. He subsequently summoned the chief secretary to appear in person on October 2.
The court was hearing a plea filed by the Christian community, which demanded the establishment of a judicial inquiry committee to impartially investigate the Jaranwala incident.
The Christian community alleged that they were under pressure from police officials to compromise with the assailants and were facing continuous threats from Muslim extremists.
As the proceedings commenced, the additional chief secretary home appeared before the court. Justice Hafeez sought a clear explanation for the delay in forming the commission, stating that it appeared the matter was not being taken seriously.
In previous proceedings, the Punjab government had formed a committee to assess the necessity of establishing a judicial commission for the Jaranwala incident.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2023.