News Desk
Lahore, June 11, 2024 — The Joint Action Committee for Peoples Rights (JAC) has issued an urgent appeal to Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, highlighting the escalating violence and intimidation against religious minorities in the Sargodha region.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Chief Minister, JAC underscored the deteriorating situation faced by the Christian community in Sargodha, particularly in the aftermath of the brutal killing of Nazir Masih. The incident, which has sparked widespread fear and unrest among local Christians, has not seen adequate response from law enforcement, according to JAC.
“The local Meesaq Centre of Sargodha police was approached for immediate action against the threats, but the police failed to respond promptly,” the letter stated. The family of Nazir Masih, along with 150-200 Christian families in the Gillwala and Mujahid Colony areas, continue to live in fear, unable to resume their normal lives.
Adding to the community’s distress, local members of Hardliner Religious Party has been openly issuing threats of further violence and holding illegal gatherings, demanding the release of suspects involved in the mob violence. Naeem Chattha Qadri, a local religious leader, has openly justified the killing and threatened confrontation with law enforcement agencies, declaring that the police would be powerless to stop them.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has previously reported social ostracization of Christians in the area, and the current situation marks a significant escalation. Besides Christians, Ahmadis and Shias are also reportedly facing increased threats and violence in the Sargodha region.
JAC’s appeal emphasizes the urgent need for the Punjab government to take decisive action. The recommendations include:
1. Receiving direct updates from affected communities.
2. Taking legal action against individuals violating laws and indulging in hate speech.
3. Acknowledging the widespread abuse of blasphemy laws in Punjab and developing a strategy to combat this issue.
4. Upgrading police Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to handle mob violence effectively.
5. Establishing a judicial inquiry commission under the Inquiry Commission Act of 1956 to investigate blasphemy cases.
6. Providing support and solace to displaced communities and those wrongly accused under religious offenses.
The letter concluded with a call for immediate government intervention to ensure peace and security for all residents of Punjab, particularly as Eid approaches.
Irfan Mufti, Convener of JAC, signed off the appeal, expressing hope for a prompt response from the Chief Minister to address these pressing concerns and uphold the rights and safety of religious minorities in the region.