At least 25 individuals were arrested in Sargodha district, Punjab, on Saturday following an incident where an angry mob assaulted a Christian community member over alleged desecration.
The police reported that the mob also attacked the man’s residence in the Mujahid Colony, causing damage and setting a shoe factory on fire.
Upon learning of the incident, police rapidly deployed a substantial force to the area, rescuing the accused and his family and relocating them to a secure location.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sharik Kamal Siddiqui and District Police Officer (DPO) Asad Aijaz were on site to manage the escalating situation. To disperse the mob, police utilized tear gas and arrested 25 participants in the riots. Authorities have restored order in the area, emphasizing that vigilantism will not be tolerated.
RPO Siddiqui announced that following a thorough investigation into the blasphemy claims, appropriate legal actions would be taken against individuals found guilty.
Sargodha Division Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti assured that all individuals involved in the disturbance would face justice after a transparent inquiry. He also confirmed no fatalities, though rumours were circulating on social media. The commissioner noted that one person sustained injuries, is now in stable condition, and is expected to be discharged soon.
The Punjab home secretary declared that religiously motivated violence is unacceptable and that those responsible would face consequences post-inquiry. He also mentioned that the mob had attacked police officers with stones, but the situation was eventually controlled.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced concern over the recent events in Sargodha and urged the district administration and Punjab Police to restore the law and order situation under control promptly bring the perpetrators to justice.
