By: Saima William
Once again, a Christian family in Pakistan has faced the wrath of a mob, who burnt their house and factory over yet another baseless accusation of blasphemy. The claim? That they desecrated holy pages. Why on earth would Christians commit such acts? These accusations are not just false; they are a vile excuse for violence and persecution.
Yesterday’s incident in Sargodha is a heart-wrenching reminder of the unchecked mob violence that continues to plague our nation. A mob vandalized property and attempted to lynch an accused man after a blasphemy accusation. Social media footage depicted a mob surrounding a bloodied man and others, including teenagers, wrecking furniture. Another video showed a large blaze outside a house. A statement from Minority Rights March also said that videos of the incident showed the mob lynching of a 70-year-old man “on the instigation of a local cleric” while the man’s home and factory were set ablaze.
Did this injured bloodied person surrounded by mob in the videos know at the time of the Jaranwala incident that his family and his own life would be next? None of us knows whose turn will be next. I can be the next too….!
The videos of the attack clearly show officers of the Punjab police being present on the site as silent spectators, which points towards their tacit approval and facilitation of the terrorists involved in the attack. This is eerily reminiscent of last year’s Jaranwala incident, where two Christian men were attacked by a mob in Mujahid Colony, a Christian locality in Sargodha, while a small-scale factory was also set ablaze. At least five others were injured by the mob. The Sargodha police claim to have arrested 15 people involved in the incident.
But my question is, if I remember correctly, 15 people were arrested in the Jaranwala case as well, and in dozens of previous cases of mob attacks on Christian churches, homes, and colonies. Were any punished until today? No one. Enough is enough. The Pakistani government has repeatedly failed to provide justice in previous such cases and to stop these horrific incidents from occurring. How many more innocent lives need to be shattered before something changes?
It’s time for the world to take notice and for the Pakistani authorities to act decisively to protect Christians as citizens of Pakistan, regardless of their faith. We must stand together against this injustice and demand an end to this senseless violence. The more painful thing than this Sargodha incident is still many Muslims are claiming on social media, even Muslim women in their groups are claiming that Christians desecrate the Holy Quran. How to make them understand that no Christian possesses the Holy Quran, and why would they burn it to get their family killed? Come on, stop this nonsense. I so want to run from this country.
This cycle of violence must end. The blasphemy laws in Pakistan have been misused for far too long, serving as a tool for personal vendettas and religious persecution. The international community must pressure the Pakistani government to reform these laws and ensure they are not used to justify such barbaric acts.
Furthermore, there must be accountability for those who incite and participate in mob violence. The silent complicity of the police and other authorities cannot continue. Those who fail to protect the innocent and uphold the rule of law must be held accountable.
The Pakistani government must also take concrete steps to promote interfaith harmony and protect the rights of all its citizens. Educational reforms are needed to promote tolerance and understanding among different religious communities. Media and civil society must also play a role in countering hate speech and promoting peace.
The voices of the marginalized and persecuted must be heard. We must amplify their cries for justice and stand in solidarity with them. The pain and suffering of Christian families in Pakistan are not just their burden to bear but a stain on the conscience of the entire nation. It is time for change, and it is time for justice. Enough is enough.
Note: (It is not essential to agree with the writer’s point of view. All facts observation, statistics and information are the sole responsibility of the writer. “TADEEB” is only performing his duty to publish the writings of the writers, observer and researchers.)
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