An angry crowd reacts after Christian homes are set on fire in Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, March 9, 2013. A crowd of hundreds of people in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Saturday attacked a Christian neighborhood and set houses on fire after hearing accusations that a Christian had committed blasphemy against the Islamic prophet Muhammad, a police officer said. In the center of the poster is written: “The blasphemer is subject to death.” (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudara)
On Saturday, a mob set fire to more than 170 houses and shops of Christians in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area. They said this was done to avenge an alleged act of blasphemy committed by a Christian two days ago and to bring back memories of the 2009 Gojra violence.
Following condemnation from the federal leadership and several others, the Punjab government ordered a judicial inquiry by evening. According to officials, 178 premises, including a church, were completely or partially damaged by the mob that attacked Joseph Colony in Badami Bagh district in the morning. Residents claimed that although the unrest began at night, the police responded by asking them to leave the area. “We were advised to leave the place,” said a local resident, adding that a few hours later a mob ransacked their premises and set them on fire. “The police just watched as our things were burned.”
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf have reaffirmed that all Pakistanis – Muslims and non-Muslims – have an equal right to live in this country. “Such acts of vandalism against minorities tarnish the image of the country,” the president added.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told TV channels that there was no justification for the mob attack on Christians as the accused of blasphemy had already been taken into custody.
The nature of the blasphemy committed is unclear, since its repetition is considered blasphemy.
Published – March 9, 2013 4:47 pm EST.