LHC asked for judicial inquiry into Jaranwala violence

Published August 31, 2023
View of a burnt church on the outskirts of Faisalabad on August 16 following an attack by a mob. — AFP/File
View of a burnt church on the outskirts of Faisalabad on August 16 following an attack by a mob. — AFP/File

LAHORE: A Christian trust organisation has approached the Lahore High Court for a judicial inquiry into the burning of churches and houses by a mob in Jaranwala.

Grace Bible Fellowship Church Pakistan, a missionary trust, filed a writ petition through its chairman Peter Charles with multiple requests to the court.

The petitioner states that an incident of alleged defiling of the Holy Quran unfortunately happened in Jaranwala, and through announcements from local mosques, a severe riot took place by a furious mob of Muslim devotees.

It says the mob ransacked the properties of Christian residents, and the riotous elements torched more than 25 churches of and over 50 houses, along with household articles, using petrol bombs.

It submits that the members of the Christian community of the area still live in state of fear and at risk to their lives and liberty.

The petition alleges that the local administration and law enforcement authorities deliberately failed to control the violent mob and the law and order situation.

It contends that although joint investigation teams (JITs) constituted by the government will submit their findings after completion of due course, which is a time taking practice, whereas the victims seek instant remedies to restore their routine life.

Expressing its concerns over the working of the JITs, the Christian body says more than 500 suspects were involved in the riots, but the police have on arrested 25 to 30, just to save their skins. It alleges that police officials are also under undue pressure from influential extremist elements.

The petition pleads that the Christian community is dissatisfied with the performance and discriminating behaviour of the police, as well as the proceedings of the JITs.

It asks the court to order a judicial inquiry committee to ensure a fair investigation and trial of the perpetrators of the Jaranwala incident.

It urges the court to restrain the police from engaging in illegal abduction, harassment and pressurising of the members of the Christian community at the behest of religious elements for any undue, unfair compromise and settlement.

Advocate Shahbaz Fazal Saroya, the petitioner’s counsel, resubmitted the petition after removing the objections raised by the registrar’s office.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.