Attacks on Churches in Pakistan Over Quran Desecration Sparks Concern: US Calls for Investigation
Expressing deep concern over targeted attacks on churches in response to the reported desecration of the Quran in Pakistan, the United States has called for a thorough investigation into these allegations and for Pakistani authorities to support peaceful freedom of expression.
Multiple churches in the Jaranwala district of Pakistan’s Faisalabad were vandalized on Wednesday following allegations of blasphemy, prompting outrage from the international community.
The US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, stated during a press briefing that resorting to violence or threats is never an acceptable form of expression. The US government emphasized its support for peaceful freedom of expression and the right to freedom of religion and belief for all individuals.
We are deeply concerned that churches and homes were targeted in response to the reported Quran desecration in Pakistan, Patel said. Violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of expression, and we urge Pakistani authorities to conduct a full investigation into these allegations and call for calm among all parties involved.
Christian leaders in Pakistan have alleged that the police stood idly by during the attacks, raising further concerns about the safety and protection of religious minorities in the country. The President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, Azad Marshall, called for justice and action against those responsible for the attacks. He demanded that citizens be assured that their lives are valued in their own homeland.
Minorities in Pakistan have suffered continued persecution and targeted attacks over the years, leading to a sharp decline in their population. According to Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, the percentage of minorities in the country has dropped from 23% at the time of independence in 1947 to a mere 3% today.
The recent sentencing of a 22-year-old Christian youth, Noman Masih, to death on blasphemy charges by a local court in Bahawalpur also sent shockwaves across the nation. The verdict has drawn strong reactions from human rights activists and organizations, highlighting the need for greater protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
It is imperative that Pakistan takes immediate action to address these incidents and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. The international community, including the United States, will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of religious freedom and human rights for all individuals.
