Global human rights organization Amnesty International has urged Pakistani authorities to ensure the protection of the minority Christian community.
Rehab Mahamoor, interim regional researcher for South Asia at Amnesty International, responded to the attack and arson of at least five Churches and many Christian homes in Jaranwala,
“The Pakistani authorities must urgently ensure the protection of the minority Christian community in Jaranwala is accordance to their needs and wishes and that those found responsible for the arson and attacks on Churches and homes are held accountable. Such attacks add to the climate of discrimination and fear for religious minorities.
She said the authorities in Pakistan must immediately address the climate of impunity around violence against religious minorities.
“The authorities in Pakistan must immediately address the climate of impunity around violence against religious minorities. The vicious mob attacks are just the latest manifestation of the threat of vigilante violence which anyone can face in Pakistan after a blasphemy accusation – with religious minorities disproportionately vulnerable to the same.”
She said that blasphemy laws continue to embolden groups and individuals who threaten, attack or attempt to kill the accused, or anyone connected, including members of their community.
The statement said the vicious mob attacks are just the latest manifestation of the threat of vigilante violence which anyone can face in Pakistan after a blasphemy accusation – with religious minorities disproportionately vulnerable to the same.
After allegations of blasphemy made against two Christian residents of Jaranwala, in the district of Faisalabad, vigilante mobs attacked at least five churches in the area.
