Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Thursday condemned the Jaranwala violence, describing it as “extremely tragic and totally intolerable”.
The army chief made these remarks while addressing the participants of the ISPR Internship Program in Rawalpindi, said a news release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“Jaranwala incident is extremely tragic and totally intolerable,” he said, adding “there is no space for such incidents of intolerance and extreme behavior by any segment of the society against anyone — particularly against minorities.”
“All citizens of Pakistan are equal amongst each other irrespective of religion, gender, cast or creed,” he remarked.
“No one will be allowed to take law in own hands and those culpable of committing such crimes will be brought before the court of justice.”
Meanwhile, Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that both main accused individuals involved in the violent rampage that occurred in Jaranwala on Wednesday are now under the custody of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
The rampage saw a mob engage in the torching of several churches, ransacking Christian residences, and desecrating a graveyard.
The unrest unfolded as an angry mob, numbering in the hundreds, rampaged through the town, targeting churches, Christian homes, and other properties. Even a local Christian cemetery and the office of the assistant commissioner fell victim to the vandalism.
Responding to the severity of the situation, the Punjab government deployed both Rangers and a substantial police force, totaling around 3,000 personnel, including the Elite Force, to quell the violence.
Reports suggest that the violence was triggered by claims made by some locals who alleged that desecrated pages of the Holy Quran were discovered near the residence of two Christian brothers at Cinema Chowk in Jaranwala.
Following these distressing events, the Punjab government promptly set up a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the incident. This initiative was undertaken in accordance with the directives of the Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq.
Late on Wednesday, the Punjab police confirmed over 100 arrests in connection with the violence, while the local Jaranwala police registered terror cases against more than 600 individuals.
Taking to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Chief Minister Naqvi hailed a “major breakthrough” in the case, affirming that the primary suspects were now in the custody of the Counter Terrorism Department.
He commended the relentless efforts of the provincial chief secretary and police chief in this achievement.
He also expressed gratitude to the interim Prime Minister for expediting the arrest process.
