LAHORE – Police in Sargodha managed to rescue two Christian families from a mob that attacked their homes on Saturday over allegations of Quran desecration.
Disturbing clips went viral online showing group of members assaulting a person and vandalizing his residence over an alleged incident of blasphemy in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony.
Sargodha police officials said the recent incident of mob violence occurred due to alleged desecration, but cops timely response prevented any deaths. Members of a group, who were raising slogans, flocked outside the homes of Christian man.
Later, police officers secured the area and evacuated all residents safely. Additional police units were deployed across locality to protect Christian community.
In one of clips on social media, members of mob can be seen surrounding a man drenched in blood and others, including teenagers, vandalizing their property. Another clip shows large fire outside a house.
Punjab government is in action as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered Home Affairs Secretary to visit area and look into the matter.
The Christian community has not issued a statement about the alleged blasphemy.
The recent incident recalled a similar attack in Jaranwala last August, where a mob rampaged through a predominantly Christian neighborhood, torching houses and churches.
HRCP
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over the situation in Sargodha, particularly in Gillwala village, where the Christian community was reportedly at significant risk.
“There are unconfirmed reports of a man being lynched,” HRCP said in a statement. HRCP also urged Punjab Police and the district administration to “immediately restore calm and bring the perpetrators to justice while ensuring the Christian community’s safety.”
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