In Sargodha, Pakistan, a Christian man was beaten and his home and workplace were set on fire under the suspicion of blasphemy. According to Geo TV, this harrowing episode unfolded on a Saturday morning as an enraged mob, children included, invaded the Christian man's residence, vandalized his belongings, and ignited his shoe factory.
Videos on social media painstakingly document the mob setting the property and shoe factory ablaze, with some individuals caught looting shoe boxes. Another video disturbingly shows a bloodied man lying in the street being kicked by people condemning him for allegedly dishonoring the Quran.
A crisis met with unity; the Sarghoda community finds solidarity amidst turmoil.
11:30 AM
Asad Ijaz Malhi, a police officer from Sargodha district, informed Dawn News that the incident was spurred by an alleged desecration. He emphasized that there was a robust police presence on the scene and no reported casualties. However, a social media clip shows firefighters standing by while locals ravage and set ablaze the Christian man's house, with warnings hurled at them not to extinguish the flames.
District Police Officer Malhi revealed to Dawn that they secured the area and safely evacuated all residents including two Christian families. He told Dawn, the police dispersed the mob peacefully. Yet, a relative of an injured person contradicted the police reports to Dawn, claiming his uncle was in a critical condition at a local hospital.
Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the Punjab Province Secretary for Home Affairs, declared in a statement, "Pakistan belongs to all of us, and injustice under the guise of religion will not be tolerated. Actions will be taken according to the law after a full probe." The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed concern over the developing situation.
Religious Minorities in Pakistan
The blasphemy laws in Pakistan are among the world's most severe, profoundly affecting the nation's religious minorities. These laws, part of the Pakistan Penal Code, stipulate severe punishments for blasphemy, which includes disrespect towards Islam, the prophet Muhammad, and desecration of the Quran.
