PPP calls for swift trial of suspects involved in Jaranwala incident

Jaranwala: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Sunday called for a swift trial of the individuals suspected to be involved in the recent Jaranwala incident.

During a press conference, PPP leaders Nayyar Bukhari, Sherry Rehman, Faisal Karim Kundi, and others emphasized the urgency of trying the accused connected with 'blasphemy' and 'riots' in Jaranwala on August 16.

Nayyar Bukhari noted that the government is actively pursuing the apprehension of the culprits and the rehabilitation of the victims of the Jaranwala incident. He refrained from offering immediate commentary on the government's performance.

He insisted on a "speedy trial" for those responsible for the blasphemy and riots, stressing the need to hold the culprits accountable.

Sherry Rehman expressed solidarity with the Christian community and called for assistance for them. She condemned the groups responsible for the violent acts, deeming them unconstitutional.

Highlighting the importance of protecting the Christian community, Sherry Rehman emphasized that Pakistan must ensure their maximum safety. She underscored that discrimination and riots are forms of terrorism.

Sherry Rehman also highlighted that attacks on the Christian community equate to an attack on the state and its reputation.

A PPP delegation, including Sherry Rehman, Nayyar Bukhari, Faisal Karim Kundi, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Malaika Raza, visited Jaranwala to meet the affected families.

Following the incident, Jaranwala police registered terror cases against over 600 individuals on August 17 for vandalizing churches and burning homes belonging to the Christian community.

The FIR invoked sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, as well as various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act 2015.

In response to the incident, the Punjab government established a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the matter in accordance with the directives of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq.