Troops Guard Pakistani Christians After Church Arsons

Summary:

• Paramilitary troops are guarding a Christian settlement in eastern Pakistan following an attack by a Muslim mob on churches and houses.
• The attack was triggered by accusations of Quran desecration by two individuals, leading to protests demanding their arrest.
• Witnesses reported extensive destruction of property during the 10-hour attack, prompting the deployment of paramilitary forces and a city-wide lockdown.
• Government leaders expressed support for the affected Christian community, and over 100 suspected rioters were arrested.
• The provincial government leader promised compensation and restoration for the damaged properties, while concerns over blasphemy-related incidents and rights of the accused persist.

Paramilitary troops were called in to guard a Christian settlement in eastern Pakistan on Thursday, following an attack where a Muslim mob vandalized and set fire to churches and houses. The violence erupted after accusations of Quran desecration and subsequent protests demanding the arrest of the accused individuals.

Violence Erupts Over Quran Desecration Accusations

Paramilitary troops were deployed to provide security to a Christian settlement in eastern Pakistan after a Muslim mob carried out an attack on churches and houses. The incident stemmed from allegations of Quran desecration by two men in the industrial district of Faisalabad. The accused men had fled their homes, leading to protests demanding their apprehension. Critics accused the police of inaction in bringing the accused to justice.

Unrest Unfolds with Destructive Consequences

The attack, which began on Wednesday, spanned over 10 hours without police intervention. Witnesses reported the destruction of houses and multiple churches. Calls for peaceful negotiation went unanswered, resulting in the deployment of paramilitary forces and a city-wide lockdown. While police denied negligence, they claimed that security forces on-site prevented a more dire situation from unfolding.

Residents and Leaders Express Outrage and Support

Residents of the Christian colony witnessed a mob led by local clerics wielding weapons during the riots. Paramilitary troops secured the colony, and hundreds of Christians sought refuge in a nearby district. Over 100 suspected rioters were arrested by police, and the Pakistani government initiated an inquiry into the incident. Government leaders at local and national levels pledged support for the affected Christian community.

Government Pledges Compensation and Restoration

Mohsin Nakvi, a provincial government leader, expressed empathy for the losses suffered by the Christian community. He promised compensation and restoration of damaged properties within a few days. Blasphemy is a serious offense in Pakistan, often met with severe consequences. Accusations of blasphemy can lead to lynching by outraged crowds, and rights groups raise concerns about fair trials and due process for the accused.

Accusations of blasphemy continue to be a contentious issue in Pakistan, with incidents like these highlighting the need for improved religious tolerance and protection of minority communities.