FAISALABAD: The Punjab police have arrested at least 190 miscreants over the attacks on churches of the houses of the Christian community in Jaranwala town of district Faisalabad.
On August 16, a mob targeted the Christian community and ransacked churches and their homes after rumours of blasphemy. At least 19 churches and 86 homes were destroyed in the violence as the Christian community fled the area.
The vandalism and arson sparked nationwide outrage, with various religious clerics strongly condemning the incident and urging exemplary punishment to be given to the perpetrators.
Police registered five cases including acts of arson and violence. The number of arrested suspects has reached 190 after 45 more were apprehended on Saturday for their alleged role in the incidents.
Police said the arrested suspects involved in the incident have been transferred to an unknown location for investigation. The accused were arrested with the support of video and modern technology. Police added the accused set fire to 86 residential buildings, including 19 churches, in Jaranwala.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar also visited the affected churches in Jaranwala with female assistant superintendents of police (ASP).
During the visit, he assured the Christian community of full security and cooperation from the police. “The meeting of ASPs from all provinces of Pakistan with the women of the Christian community is a sign of solidarity,” the police chief said.
He said the ASPs will perform duty in Jaranwala until the rehabilitation and construction of the affected houses were complete.
Separately, two Christian brothers have been arrested for alleged blasphemy. IG Anwar stated he personally interrogated them to avoid accusations of torture.
On Friday, Police guarded 3,200 churches across Punjab to provide reassurance to the Christian community. He said that the violent reactions to the accusations were not justified, describing the scenes in Jaranwala as “tragic”.
He said it was the responsibility of clerics and the government to ensure that religion was not misused. He said Muslims should become more tolerant and given the true message of Islam.
