- PM, COAS Munir, others to visit Jaranwala in solidarity with rampage victims: Khalil George,
- Punjab IGP Usman Anwar sees foreign hand in Jaranwala incident,
- CM vows responsible for Jaranwala incident to face justice
Islamabad/Lahore_Interim Human Rights Minister Khalil George said on Friday that Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and others will visit Jaranwala to express their solidarity with the victims of the tragedy.
Expressing his views, Mr George said, “I have come to express solidarity with my brothers and sisters following the Jaranwala incident”.Mr George made it clear that the entire country stands with the Christian community in this hour of need.
“No one will be allowed to harm the stability and integrity of the country. The government will ensure recovery of the damage caused by the rampage,” he added.Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar raised concerns on Friday over potential foreign involvement in the recent tragic incident in Jaranwala, where a violent mob wreaked havoc by torching five churches.
Earlier
In an exclusive interview with PVT TV, IGP Anwar indicated that the timing and calculated actions of the main suspects in the incident have raised suspicions of a well-coordinated plan.While it is too early to conclusively establish external involvement, the Joint Investigation Team is set to delve into this angle, he added.IGP Anwar believes that the perpetrators intended to divert attention from the plight of women who had been subjected to heinous acts in a neighboring country.
“The sheer size of the unruly crowd, estimated to be around five to six thousand people, posed a significant challenge for law enforcement. The risk of loss of life, if the authorities had engaged in a direct confrontation, was a major factor in their approach,” said IGP.
“We understand the frustration and concerns regarding our response,” IGP Anwar acknowledged, “but it was crucial to ensure the safety of innocent lives amidst the chaos.”
Key suspects arrested
Over 130 individuals involved in the torching of the churches have already been apprehended, with the primary suspects also under custody, said Mr Usman.
The identification of more than 170 individuals has been facilitated through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), aiding the ongoing investigation.
Urges political parties to refrain from exploiting incident
Addressing the broader implications, IGP Anwar stressed the need to mend Pakistan’s global image and ensure justice for the victims.
“We are committed to holding those who started this senseless violence accountable in a court of law,” he declared, emphasising that political or party interests should not overshadow the pursuit of justice.
IGP Anwar acknowledged that any attempt by political groups to exploit the incident for their own gain would be regrettable but acknowledged that the country’s unity and commitment to justice would ultimately prevail.
Erlier,
Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemning the violence in Jaranwala has said there is no room for such a tragic incident in Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan.
Talking to a delegation of the Christian community who called on CM at his office on Friday, Mohsin said we have to formulate a comprehensive policy for the prevention of such incidents together in the future. All efforts are being made to restore the churches to their original condition as soon as possible, Mohsen Naqvi assured the delegation.
The CM said the damage estimation of destroyed houses is being calculated and financial assistance would be given to the affected families. He termed the inci- dent as a big tragedy and said the evi- dence including CC footage has been collected, now, the criminals will be arrested soon and brought to justice. “Those responsible for the tragedy would not be able to escape from the law.”
Mohsen Naqvi vowed to go to any extent to bring those responsible for the Jaranwala tragedy to justice. “Protection of life and property of the Christian commu- nity is our responsibil- ity,” he added. He apprised the delegation that spe- cial Friday sermons were given today on the rights of minorities in the light of the reli- gion of Islam and the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
Mohsen Naqvi appealed that every- one will have to take effective measures to prevent such a tragedy in the future. “Amendments are necessary to raise public awareness of tolerance in the educational curriculum,” he hinted.
The CM said scholars of all schools of thought strongly condemned Jaranwala events. Mohsen Naqvi reiterated all possible measures will be taken for the protection of Christian families and the restoration of churches. IG Punjab and Additional Chief Secretary Home gave a detailed briefing to CM about the Jaranwala incident. Minority leaders expressed their views regarding the Jaranwala incident.
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