by K.M. CHAUDHRY and MUNIR AHMED
According to officials, 129 Muslims were arrested after a mob angered by an alleged Quran desecration attacked a dozen churches and nearly two dozen homes of minority Christians in Janawala, Pakistan. In addition, two Christian men were arrested for defacing the holy book of Islam.
In one of the most destructive attacks on Christians in the country, the mob inflicted one of the alleged desecrations Wednesday in Jaranwala.
Bilal Mehmood, the city’s police chief, said Raja Amir and a friend were arrested for tearing pages from a Quran and writing insulting remarks on other pages.
Authorities summoned soldiers to restore order Thursday, and Christian residents slowly returned home to see the destruction. Regional police chief Rizwan Khan said 129 people had been arrested as suspected rioters.
As Shazia Amjad wept outside her burned home, she said, “Suddenly we heard that a mob was coming and burning homes and attacking churches.”
While she was staying with her family in a safer area, the mob burned household items and furniture, and some of her possessions were stolen.
There were other Christians who described similar ordeals and expressed bewilderment.
He said some rioters hauled away Christians’ household items after burning furniture and other belongings after burning his home, which was one of several buildings burned on his street.
“Why did they do that to us? We had not done anything wrong,” he asked.
Khalid Mukhtar, a local priest, said he believes most of Jaranwala’s 17 churches were attacked.
Churches and homes damaged by the storm will be repaired within a week, and those who suffered losses will be compensated.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-ul-Haq Kakar ordered police to arrest rioters following the violence.
Churches and Christian homes were attacked immediately by the mob, according to the regional police chief. The city administrator’s offices were also attacked by rioters, but police intervened, shooting into the air and wielding batons to disperse them with the help of Muslim elders and clerics.
As seen in videos and photos on social media, angry people threw bricks and set fire to a church. Four other churches are attacked in another video, where attackers throw furniture outside and set them on fire, breaking their windows.
As a crowd cheers, a man climbs up the roof of a church and repeatedly hits a steel cross with a hammer before removing it.
Domestic and international human rights groups condemned the violence.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws should be repealed, according to Amnesty International.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws can result in death penalties for anyone who insults Islam or Islamic religious figures. While authorities have yet to carry out blasphemy executions, accusations can often incite violence, lynchings, and killings.
As a result of blasphemy allegations, religious minorities have been intimidated and personal scores have been settled, say rights groups.
“We support peaceful freedom of expression and the right to freedom of religion and belief for all,” said Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
A comprehensive guide to metal roofing projects and considerations can be found here https://therooftechnician.ca/, along with essential strategies, best practices, and step-by-step instructions tailored specifically to metal roofing applications. Discover the advantages, installation techniques, and maintenance requirements associated with metal roofing, as well as how to get started because what you’re looking for is metal roof repair services in Toronto.
Identify the distinctive properties and applications of metal roofing materials, such as steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. For optimal performance and longevity, learn about proper installation methods, including fastening systems, flashing details, and ventilation considerations.
Get tips on preventing corrosion, managing thermal expansion, and ensuring proper drainage on metal roofs. Learn how metal roofing systems can be integrated with solar panels and other eco-friendly features to promote energy efficiency.
With this invaluable resource, you’ll be able to approach metal roofing confidently whether you’re planning a DIY project or looking for professional advice. Make informed decisions that will result in a stunning, durable, and well-protected metal roof for your home or building by leveraging the expertise of experienced roofing professionals.
