A protester burns belongings from Christian houses in Lahore on Saturday. PHOTO: ABID NAWAZ/ EXPRESS
Express News had earlier reported that around 100 houses were burnt by the mob.
Eyewitnesses said that the mob broke into the houses, looted them and burnt the remaining belongings on the roads.
SSP Operations Suhail Sukhera and the SHO of Badami Bagh were also reportedly injured when the mob pelted a police party with stones.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told Express News that he saw no reason for the mob’s violence especially after the person accused of blasphemy had been arrested on Friday. He added that cases have been registered against those responsible for Saturday’s vandalism and that they will be prosecuted.
Sanaullah added that all those whose property had been damaged will be compensated within five days.
Shahi Imran, who had filed the blasphemy FIR, told The Express Tribune that he was not responsible for the incident and he had left the area when the mob arrived to burn the houses. He maintained that the accused should be taught a lesson but the other Christian families should not be harmed.
SSP Sukhera, when contacted, denied that the houses were set on fire and said that the police personnel was present in the area.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif also took notice of the incident and set up a five member committee to investigate the matter. He also announced Rs0.2 million as compensation for those who lost their household stuff.
President Asif Ali Zardari took notice of the incident and sought a report from authorities, reported Radio Pakistan.
On Friday, a mob of almost 3,000 people forced the Christian community to flee for their lives, leaving behind their houses and possessions unprotected.
The charged group had gathered around Joseph Colony on Noor Road, led by Shafiq Ahmed, who was in search of the accused Savan, alias Bubby. The mob then attacked Savan’s house, setting it on fire and pelting it with stones. Other houses in the locality – home to about 150 Christian families – were also attacked. Many residents, including women and children, hastily fled to save themselves.
Savan was arrested and shifted to an undisclosed location.
COMMENTS (109)
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IF the US had ever promoted or practiced universal justice the world would have been in a better shape. America has never shied away from creating and building and sustaining tyrannical regimes when it suits its purposes...and when it cannot use them anymore, it is only THEN when it speaks of the terrible atrocities that were once committed under its own watchful eyes, by the weapons and money it supplied. So, please don't try to take give your country the moral high ground when it comes to human rights violations in the world. As I said, if America practiced universal justice, things like this may not have developed.
Pakistani government and Pakistanis are of course responsible for the happenings in their country and they should take care of this before they spiral into the abyss of annihilation that seems to be fast approaching.
This is enough now! All pakistanis inlcuding political partiies, media, judicary and religious scholars need to learn from such inhuman incidence and sit together for new pakistan and reform laws which ensure equlity and safeguarding of all its citizen.
Tribune......start a fund for these victims.....readers can express their condemnation with money. Let's rebuild these houses. It can be done. Pakistan is being defined by these jahils....let's not let that happen again.
Correction:
A word is missing in my last post.
Please read the sentence as "Questioning, honest contemplation and sincere logical and intellectual analysis are the basis of human progress."
@Mj:
"@Agha Shehroon Khan: “I am so very ashamed that i am part of this nation and city. my heart is really bleeding and my eyes are tearful…. very dejected today and really questioning my loyalty with “this Pakistan” today -Apologies” Question the ideology, not the country. You’ll have your answer."
Until and unless people question dogmatic, anti-human and anachronistic teachings of any ideology, their minds will continue to be controlled by their blind faith. They will continue to live in denial and put the blame on everything else. Questioning, honest contemplation and sincere logical and intellectual are the basis of human progress. Without this, humans will remain wedded to obscurantism, superstitions and ignorance of the past millennia.
Blasphemy is unacceptable to all. The present blasphemy laws cannot prevent blasphemy and give birth to more blasphemy, like burning of churches and Islamic sacred books.
If we Christians start reacting and take revenge ...what u people will do...?
Mind Control
Now you are being unreasonable. Islam is NEVER afraid of correct and fair criticism or questioning of itself. It is only the unfair and incorrect questioning and criticism that Islam does not and will never accept.
Let everyone accept that first. Then there will be no problems like this.
I think not just those criminals be punished but may be the some of the forward thinking Muslim organizations come forward to collect money to re build those houses for the Christian. That would be best way to show solidarity with the minorities in Pakistan otherwise all the claims are mere lip service.
This Blasphemy law is is the root cause.of this carnage. We have ot scrap this law as it exists (Have I commited a blasphemy by saying so)
@raja: Who will have the nationals of a country ridden with terrorism and well known for spreading terrorism around the world? Not even the all weather friend!
A source I know close to the event and the community says that 180 homes were burned. I am seeking hard facts on this but a mob of 3,000 could easily burn down the whole community. The Pakistani government, police and judiciary cannot possibly execute justice for these victims in that they have long looked the other way when Muslim leaders have such a strong influence over the courts.
Its Sad how easily Christian's and other minorities are targeted where some are murdered in cold blood and others house's are burned in front of the police . It all depends how are you taught at home . If a person is taught to live in peace he will and if a person is taught to kill he will do the same . Thats what is happening in Pakistan . Madrasa's and Politicans and Terrorist related orgainzations are teaching hatered which is shown when this kind of incidence happen's . Moreover if we go deep into this blasphemy case am sure this is another case of a revenage against some property issue or work issue . My Muslim friends and brothers say Islam is religon of Peace and Love , please show me where is that compassion or love for your own countrymen . We are Pakistani's and will remain till death Pakistani there is nothing you can do about that .
See this:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=445588445515646&set=a.272658686141957.63954.272308546176971&type=1&theater
This act is exrremely,no-doubt and definitely the misuse of blasphemy law by the brainwashed miscreants and culprits.......
This is Islamic Republic of Pakistan a welfare state where mosques are unsafe and insecure,non-muslims and their homes are unsafe and insecure,key Pakistani departments are unsafe and insecure and nation has been on the terrorists' main target but only the leaders are safe and secure because they are living in bombproof bunkers and they travel in bulletproof vehicles with hundreds of security guards around....... And as usual after any mishaps our leaders give only and only a condemning and verbal statement and show human sympathy by sitting only in the fortified,bulletproof and bombproof palaces with hundreds of security guards around.... Pakistan what a country and what a leadership!!!!!!!!
If Pakistan wants to earn any respect in the world, It has to put an end to this madness at any cast. Freedom of speech should prevail. Blasphemy law should be abolished. It's only a law. Laws change everywhere. This law has done no good. I do not understand, no leader realizes how badly this is damaging the reputation of Pakistan, whatever left.
How do we really know that it was BLASPHEMY ?
The alleged Blasphemer is a " sanitation worker ". How much can he know about anything religious~~~~~~~~~he could have been just ignored !!!
Will someone arrest and prosecute these low life criminals.!
@Farhan: Sharif brothers were OK before their Saudia exile. After their returned they are a completely different people. I think they have turned blind eye to get support of fanatics and to promote Saudi style government with N Sharif as Amir-ul-Momineen.
CM said, that all people were taken out from Joseph Colony before attack, it meaning, He knew, there was going to be an attack there, why he not stopped attack, why not Police act properly,why he was not there, CM must resign, and leave Politics
@Waqas: The situation will not get better as PML-N and other Govt. functionaries are directly or indirectly supportive of these acts.
The country that most Pakistanis criticize with every awakening breath AMERICA has the most diverse citizen population in the world. There are churches..Mosques...Temples...Shrines and other places of worship. People respect the diversity of different religions and the law of the land demands that ALL religions be treated with respect and **NO religion be declared the religion of the nation. In Pakistan we blame and compare how other nations are treating minorities but we deflect how we are treating minorities and forcing Pakistan to become the most dangerous country in Asia. Shame to the threatening forces of minorities and even more shame to the citizens of Pakistan that allow this to happen on a daily basis.
Today, yet I again I feel ashamed of being a Pakistani. As a human being, I stand wholeheartedly with my innocent christian brethern and denounce this brazen act of violence and utmost hatred by fellow countrymen.
Time for CM Shahbaz Sharif to prove whether he has the guts to protect the innocent, weak minorities and bring these mobsters to justice. The government must compensate all the affected citizens immediately.
Allah and his beloved Prophets don't need man made law to preserve their honor and dignity. "Hudood" law has no place in Islam. This is being used to persecute minorities.
Eventually it was coming to this. There is no hope left - why could no one see what was happening for so many years. Even if the blasphemy law overturned tomorrow - these incidents will continue and more innocent blood will be shed as more ignorant people will be made to believe that some innocent and helpless person such as Rimsha Masih or the newest victim Savan, has offended their religious senses and therefore they must be put to the sword.
Everyone knows that there are vested interests exploiting the ignorant masses and this will continue - there is a lot of money to be made and power to be enjoyed.
why u all champions of human being dont write any thing when muslims get killed in kashmir iraq or pakistan shame on u peoples and by the no one died in lahore.
Why is it only Muslim clerics and their followers bring charges of blasphemy against others. I have yet to hear of a case being registered by a Christian against a Muslim for blasphemy yet alone convicted or allowed to rot in a jail while awaiting a court appearance. Double standard me thinks!
I am Muslim but Pakistan doesnot Represent Islam.Please remove name islamic republic.And i do apologise to the victims..............
"Proud Nation"....Is this how you want to be remembered in history??? Wake up now!!!
First quetta then karachi and now lahore..These are sick animals
@Tariq1:
The fact that you still leave the door open to jungle law as an option highlights the ideological intolerance and societal condoning mindset behind behind this mayhem and many false cases. But then that is also partly due to the flawed man made law that is charged with unquestionable and untouchable religious superstition based on extreme intolerant interpreted ideology that persecutes minorities/rivals with life sentences or death, that makes it difficult to stop false cases and mob violence.
What a shame......
@Optimistic: Punjab law minister will head the investigation committee for which he will be in contact with SSP-LeJ for required guidance.
Is your religion so weak that a mere slight on islam leads to homes being burnt down?
is it not up to the police to enforce the law and not the mob?
its time your politicians removed this ridiculous law before anyone else is harmed.
Every time this happens the people in the west hate pakistan and islam more, it plays directly into the hands of your enemies. What a stupid law. What stupid people.
Gen.ziaul haq still ruling pakistan......for shareef brothers...People Who Live In Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones ( don't criticize other people when you yourself have faults and weaknesses ... )
bring back musharraf!!
Peace is not something around us – it is something in us.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
In the Bible it says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
We pray for the people of Pakistan to find this peace.
Where was Punjab govt????? when they were burning homes.. Govt must be responsible for people safety..
why was the mob burning houses not shot on the spot ???
Blasphemy law is totally in violation of basic human rights. Right to blasphemy is a human right. Actually every religion is a blasphemy of other religions, that way. Moreover, what actually was said or done by that christian against whom the FIR was filed. Since an FIR is filed, the newspapers/media should reproduce what is alleged in the FIR - the complaint as a whole - so that people would read and decide for themselves whether there is any iota of blasphemy even or it is a wild charge.
I totally condemn the attack on Christian community in Lahore and burning of 100 houses.
Very sad
No book is precious than human life
The concept of 'blasphemy' is a medieval, regressive, intolerant and dirty. That's why civilized states do not criminalize blasphemy because the act of criminalizing blasphemy is itself a criminal act.
Islam saved again.
@MohammadAli Ghanghro: each n evry time u guys calling kashmir kashmir. Dear in kashmir no budy was killed bcas of religion bt they killed cas they support kashmiri nation.
The same way u do in baloxhistan. May allah bless ur pakistan
This is the violent expression of the mob and has very little to do with the charge. It would seem that these people have nothing left other than their faith. They would react against anyone whom they see a threat to his last possesion, namely his faith.
Rex Minor
Shame on us!..how many more lives is this man made law going to take?
A sad event. Why do some people say blasphemous things when they know Islam will not acccept that? Better sense must prevail.
@tahir-----who called u tahir??/?
@tahir, who called u tahir??????
@tahir: News says 100 houses have been burnt and the mob is still there to burn more. People have the thoughts like yours and it will happen again and again. Does all people living in those houses did some blasphemous act? I can't even be proven on Savan.
@tahir, Why it happened? One should read your commit carefully, he will find out why it happened.
Sad... :(
Salman Taseer was right, it is a black law. Too bad he became the victim himself. Let's kill each other in the name of Muhammad (pbuh), until no one's left.
Islam mean peace and such extra judicial and barbarisms not allowed in Islam, every person in Mob is equally liable hence must be punished according with law.
Is this land grabbing in the name of blasphemy, under the umbrella of religion with the quiet consent of the authorities ????.............just a question.
@Voice of D.I.Khan: Shame on your thinking, how you reach to a conclusion, hence no report proved yet
This is perfect case of suomoto for our over active judiciary but I don't think it affords to take action for protection of under privileged minority.
Christians should think of migrating to safer counties , why are they still in Jurassic park and risk their life.
@Agha Shehroon Khan:
"I am so very ashamed that i am part of this nation and city. my heart is really bleeding and my eyes are tearful…. very dejected today and really questioning my loyalty with “this Pakistan” today -Apologies"
Question the ideology, not the country. You'll have your answer.
Khadim e Aala. Please take notice. Show some spine and go and help the families that have fled for their lives. I doubt he will.
Pakistanio ke Teen Maslay:
Galat Fehmi Khush Fehmi Blasphemy!
Sigh !! yet we call our self Muslim I am so very ashamed that i am part of this nation and city. my heart is really bleeding and my eyes are tearful.... very dejected today and really questioning my loyalty with "this Pakistan" today -Apologies
This is Newtons law. For ever action there is reaction. If you commit Blasphemy you get a reaction.
@Sami ul haq: what a typical "parha likha jahil" response, so if I create a rumour that you are responsible for a blasphemous act and circulate the same all over town which then results in your house and your neighbouring house to be burnt by a violent mob, you are telling me that you will accept the blame?
Another Face of Punjabi Taliban,
Wake up PML-N
I am feeling quite petty over those christians. That is such an unjust that can't be swallowed by me. That shows the real face of Pakistani Muslims. I personally feel guilt being Muslim. Those are involved in burning the houses must be brought to justice and must be sued against them in the court of terrorism. My sympathies to the aggrieved christians of Lahore.
Any takers for Jinnah's vision for Paksitan??? Pathetic. Unless the blasphemy laws are fixed so that the accused be punished for unproven charges,. these kinds of mayhem will continue. Look at the other headline "Blast in Peshawar mosque?" IS any one safe in Pakistan, be it sunnis, christians, ahmedis, shias or even animals and birds ??
What if christian majority countries start burning down houses of muslims in their countries everytime they feel we do things which is against their values. These people who cimmitted these acts are surely not muslims and worse than people who committed blasphemy.
Where was the police when the families were forced to leave their homes? And again where was the police when the mob torched the homes? Shame on you Lahore Police and shame on you all of Pakistan for letting such things happen.
If only such mobs could hound out REAL criminals, with the same vigour, such as the TTP and other terrorists who murder indusriminately! Surely acts of terrorism are against the teachings of Islam?
Metro bus would be more importance for Khadim e Aala? Where is Law Minister in Punjab?
I thought there was no extremism in Punjab, after hearing the statements of PML-N leaders. No LeJ, no Punjabi Taliban, no ASWJ. And that law and order is perfect. Would there be a suo motto here as well?
This is another face of Punjabi Taliban. Wake up PML-N
This mob violence happened despite the accused being arrested. Leaving aside the question of whether the Blasphemy law itself has been misused yet again (as we in Pakistan are nowhere near to having a debate on these laws), it is clear that nothing will change unless strong action is taken against the culprits who burned down people's houses. They should be arrested and punished to the full extent of the law. This will set a clear example to others that such criminal behavior is not tolerated. Alas, this is unlikely to happen.
Shame on Shahbaz Sharif because he has turned a blind eye to all these extremist activities in Punjab. He must tell us what action he took against SSP when they burned down christian homes in Gojra?
He has become Narender Modi of gujrat in Pakistan. Shame on him...
BASICALLY OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM HAS FAILED!!! First -- if an act of "BLASPHEMY" is alleged or committed then the POLICE should immediate act while registering an FIR and follow it with proper investigation etc. Actually this should be followed for any criminal offense and people have faith in our legal system to get justice. We all know the ground relatives!! Now for our liberal minded -- if someone commits blasphemy and I am witness to it then as a Muslim it is my duty to act immediately. In our case if Shafiq Ahmed was a witness then he should have gone to the police and if no positive response then apply the jungle law. THE LEGAL SYSTEM SHOULD WORK PROPERLY -- OTHERWISE THE JUNGLE LAW WILL PREVAIL!
Shame really..
Pakistan is quickly competing with Somalia in living standards. Soon Pakistan will be a bottom line for worst imaginable living conditions.
Without any proof, how these culprits attacked their houses No body can stop them where is ARMY, only ARMY can save these people why not police stop people attack on these people houses if this type of attack on CM House, will police also not able to save CM? It is eonugh,
Real face of the so called pure people in the Land of the Pure! Shame on the mob associated with the act.
All sane people should now leave this country. I pray to the Almighty to either guide this nation or give it a exemplary punishment along the lines of Aad and Samood
Are this people headed by shafique recorded ? If yes then the What does human rights commission do there.? Hope all the affected are gaurded n guided to safe place & ensured safety.
Doesn't seem like an act suitable for the followers of religion of peace.
@Ayesha Bhaalay I agree with you 100%. However, you should tell this to Hindu mobs in India too who behave the same way against minorities.
the chaos in Pakistan has proven time and time again that this is what exactly happens when nations are divided on the basis of religion ! Without liberalism and secularism , there is NO going forward. Period.
Absolute savages and animals.
All non-Muslims should flee this country now
These lunatics are doing exactly the same what their forefathers have been doing for centuries, burn down houses of anyone who doesn't agree with you. These are the very same people who stand behind TTP, LeJ and other extremists groups and bombing and burning down the Masajids, Imambargahs, of Shias, Ahmadis, and Churches and Mandirs all over the country. They have nothing to do with the religion but unfortunately that is what has become the image of Islam these days. They should be tried and sentenced but unfortunately that is impossible in Pakistan and for that matter, in almost any Muslim country. I am ashamed of being a Pakistani in collective sense along with these people.
Looks like Pakistan is not the place for minorities to live. Not anymore. The people have become so extremist and the state is losing control. Lahore is like the hub of the country. Shame on the govt. and the religious leaders involved!
I hope EU and US aid agencies look at this inhuman country and put sanctions..No GSP concessions..No US aid..No flood relief for june 2013 flood.
Ayesha Bhaalay, before telling us check your own back yard. Shall I state how many people were killed by Indian Army and security forces in Kashmir and all over India.
what is wrong with these freaks!live and let live
Not every one is responsible for the act of few! Charge Savan with blasphemy if there are strong evidence against him and charge rest of the people who burnt and destroyed homes for terrorism! But as we have seen earlier nothing will happen and fanatics will roam around openly again!
So sad, shame on Pakistan.
These sick people will never understand the word "humanity".
Is Shafiq Ahmed arrested???? If not, then he should be arrested, then first he should be asked for substantial proofs for his claims. That proofs will define the fate of Savan. But, in anycase Shafiq Ahmed should be trailed for vandalizing and damaging properties of other citizens.
.......and Nawaz's PML-N still wants to talk with these criminals ?
MOB or ASWJ workers....????