After the horrific incident of Jaranwala, police have secured a two-day physical remand of 128 suspects involved in Jaranwala mob violence.
The suspects, who vandalised churches & houses of the Christian community, were presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court. The court handed over the accused to the police on physical remand for two days. Due to a lack of space in the concerned police station, the police shifted some arrested accused to an unknown location. The police also arrested the prime suspect Muhammad Yasin who made announcements on loudspeakers to incite Muslims against the Christian community.
Major breakthrough in the Jaranwala Incident – both main accused now in CTD Custody.
Appreciation for Chief Secretary Punjab and IG Punjab for their relentless efforts. Prime Minister's unwavering concern guided us, driving the swift arrest process. Grateful for the trust he…— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) August 17, 2023
Several churches were vandalized and set ablaze on charges of blasphemy. The FIR of the incident stated that two Christian citizens were accused of uttering insulting words about the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in the cinema square of Jaranwala & desecrating the Quran.
It further stated that when the police reached on spot after receiving information about the incident, they found Quran papers with insulting words written in red pen. The accused Christian citizens fled from the scene.
An angry mob gathered outside the local church following the news of blasphemy and vandalised the churches. The Jaranwala mob violence left over 20 churches & over a dozen homes in ruins.
Partially or completely burnt churches in Jaranwala mob violence included:
- Church of Pastor Israel Maharwala
- Church of Shehrunwala locality
- Church of God, Kammoana
- Catholic Church of Christian Colony
- Church of Pastor Saleem Arif & Pastor Rizwan in Essa Nagri
- Michael Kingdom Church of Pastor Adnan
- Church of Major Mashooq
- Catholic Church of Nasir Colony
- Salvation Army Church of Major Amjad
- Catholic Church of Essa Nagri
- Pak Khushkhabri Church of Noora Colony
- Amazing Race Church of Shahrwan
- BM Church of Pastor Naveed Mukhtar, Christian Basti
- Capt Sajid’s Salvation Army Church
- FGA Church Farooq Park
- Church of Pastor Shahzad in Yasir Town
- Kalori Church of Noora Colony
- Kalori Church of Chak
Army Chief Vows to Indict Culprits of Jaranwala mob violence
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has said that incidents like Jaranwala have no place in the country and those involved in such incidents would be brought to justice.
Addressing the participants of the ISP internship program, General Asim Munir said that the Jaranwala incident is saddening and intolerable. He added that no one can be allowed to take the law into their hands and such elements have no place in our society.
