Sargodha Unrest: Christians Targeted in Mob Violence
ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s eastern Sargodha district said recently it has finalized “hyper security” arrangements at churches following last week’s mob attack against the Christian community that left one person critically injured.
In a distressing act of violence against the Christian community, a mob in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony viciously attacked a Christian man and set fire to both his home and shoe business because he had defiled pages of the Holy Quran. This attack is just another example of the increasing violence that Punjabi Christians are facing.
A Christian Man in Sargodha Was Critically Attacked by a Mob
A crowd invaded Nazir Gill’s home and factory on Saturday, 25 May 2024. He is currently fighting for his life in a Sargodha hospital. The mob attack underscores the persistent problem of religious violence in Pakistan and comes in the wake of Gill being accused of blasphemy.
Police Rescue Gill from Mob Violence
Gill was attacked and suffered serious injuries; however, police intervened and saved her. Gill was accused by Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan member, Jahangir Jamal of burning pages from the Quran. Police filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and blasphemy legislation after receiving the accusation.
Mob Wreaks Havoc, Christian Community in Fear
The enraged crowd tried to execute Gill and extensively damaged his belongings. Fearing for their safety, this incident led several Christian people to leave their houses. A few took sanctuary in adjacent churches. Though a heavy police presence eventually drove the mass away, the Christian community remains afraid, with many fleeing the area in fear of further attacks.
Human Rights Activists Demand Accountability for Sargodha Attack
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the violence and called for immediate action from the government. Here’s a breakdown of their demands:
Put an End to Mob Justice:
Joseph Jansen advocated for action to stop mob violence and emphasized the alarming trend of extrajudicial deaths. He brought up the Faisalabad episode of the Jaranwala tehsil, in which a crowd attacked Christian churches on the grounds of accusations of blasphemy.
Police Reform:
To avert violence in blasphemy cases, Ashkinaz Khokhar stressed the significance of prompt police intervention. She emphasized how important it is for law enforcement to preserve public safety and order.
Addressing Root Causes:
Nadia Stephen identified two areas where violence has escalated and where government action has lagged, namely the deradicalization of citizens and the reform of blasphemy laws.
Safeguarding Victims and Punishing Offenders:
Protesters demanded that the government prosecute violent individuals, shield victims from mob violence, and uphold current legislation to discourage false accusations.
Conclusion
Pakistani nationals are no longer safe either inside or outside of their nation. Similarly, last week, there was an attack on foreign students in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, by mobs. A significant number of the victims were students from Pakistan.
Presently the tragedy in Sargodha serves as a stark reminder of the religious minority in Pakistan’s vulnerability. The activists’ calls for accountability highlight how urgently the government has to address the misuse of blasphemy laws and address the root causes of religious intolerance to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents.
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