FAISALABAD: Chief Justice Designate Qazi Faez Isa met with Christians in Jaranwala on Saturday to express sympathy after violent attacks on their homes and churches over blasphemy claims.
A crowd vandalised several churches and set hundreds of houses on fire in Jaranwala town in Faisalabad’s industrial region on August 16 after clerics in mosques incited the mob to attack Christians for blasphemy.
A government order seen by Reuters ordered paramilitary troops to suppress the rioting.
The attack outraged social media and Pakistani political and religious figures, who said such extreme behaviour unacceptable.
The Supreme Court justice and his wife visited Jaranwala’s Christian colony. Justice Isa examined the attacked homes and churches this week.
“Three days have passed since the incident and the streets still not clean,” Justice Isa declared, criticising the deputy commissioner and ordering him to clean the streets.
While, The senior puisne judge met the victims and offered full assistance, expressing regret. Meanwhile, He assured Christians they have equal rights and that all citizens are equal.
Moreover, Justice Isa told Christian victims that Muslims must find church attackers. He stated that Christians can build churches like Muslims can mosques.
The judge and his wife gave victims money and food parcels during their visit.
“I am here as a citizen and it is everyone’s duty to help you,” he told victims.
