News Desk
In a recent hearing pertaining to the rights of minorities, the Supreme Court dismissed the progress report submitted by the Punjab government regarding the Jaranwala incident. Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa expressed strong criticism, stating that the report was “worth throwing in the trash.”
The incident, which occurred on August 16, 2023, saw a charged crowd vandalizing several churches and setting numerous houses on fire in Jaranwala town, located on the outskirts of Faisalabad. The violence erupted after clerics made announcements in mosques, allegedly inciting the mob to attack the local Christian community under accusations of blasphemy.
In response to the unrest, paramilitary troops were deployed to restore order and bring the situation under control, as per a government order witnessed by Reuters.
The interim Punjab government initiated a high-level inquiry to investigate the burning and demolition of properties belonging to the local Christian community in the area.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Isa expressed his disappointment, stating, “I feel ashamed after seeing the report about the Jaranwala incident.” He questioned the progress made in the case, highlighting that despite 22 cases being registered and 304 arrests made, only 18 FIR challans were collected over a span of six months.
The chief justice also raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in Pakistan, criticizing the lack of effective action taken to address such incidents. He questioned whether Pakistanis were willing to replicate the mistreatment faced by non-Muslims in India, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in safeguarding the rights of all citizens.