In a recent incident in Pakistan, two Christian brothers have been taken into custody by the police on charges of blasphemy. This action follows a rampage by a Muslim mob that set fire to churches and houses, accusing the brothers of committing acts of desecration against the Holy Quran.
The police found pages of the Quran on the street, with derogatory remarks written in red ink. These pages also included personal details such as names, addresses, and national identity card numbers of those involved. The police are investigating the motive behind attaching the names and addresses.
As per a government spokesperson, the brothers have been ordered to be held in police custody for a week. Blasphemy is considered a capital offense in Pakistan, although no executions have taken place. However, angry mobs have lynched many individuals accused of blasphemy in the past, including a former provincial governor and a minority affairs minister who advocated for blasphemy law reforms.
According to the head of Punjab province police, more than 80 Christian homes and 19 churches were vandalized by the Muslim mob. Usman Anwar, the police chief, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the Christian community. He also mentioned that he would visit Jaranwala city, where the incident took place, to support the affected community.
In connection with the incidents of violence, the police have arrested 128 people so far. The rampage occurred in Jaranwala, a town near the city of Faisalabad in Pakistan. As a result, many members of the Christian minority were displaced, with their homes and churches set ablaze. However, some of them have started returning home, according to community leader Akmal Bhatti.
The events that transpired in Jaranwala were tragic, and such violence can never be justified. It is essential to address the root causes behind such incidents to prevent further unrest. The authorities must ensure a fair investigation and protect the rights of all individuals involved, regardless of their religious identity.
