A church leader in Pakistan has criticized the police for not complying with the Supreme Court’s directive to apprehend all suspects linked to attacks on churches and Christian homes in the Jaranwala area of Punjab province in 2023. The Rev. Khalid Mukhtar, whose parish house was among the properties targeted, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress despite the court’s orders issued on March 31. Mukhtar, now serving at St Joseph’s Church in Faisalabad, highlighted the authorities’ failure to make significant arrests even after providing evidence identifying many perpetrators.
Mukhtar emphasized that out of 336 suspects named by the police, only one remains in custody, with others either released on bail or cleared from cases filed by Christians. He revealed that despite initial arrests, most suspects were granted bail or acquitted due to inadequate investigations and evidence. The violence in Jaranwala stemmed from allegations of Quran desecration against two Christians, who were later acquitted by a trial court following a finding of false implication due to personal disputes.
Concerns over religious discrimination, misuse of blasphemy laws, forced conversions, and minority rights violations were raised at a recent consultation by the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan. Participants, including faith leaders and human rights advocates, called for enhanced safeguards for religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs in the country. The event also discussed legislative developments aimed at protecting minority rights and communal properties, stressing the need for effective implementation and accountability.
