Senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, demonstrated his support and solidarity with the affected members of the Christian Colony in Jaranwala following the riots that occurred on Wednesday.
Justice Isa, who is set to become the Chief Justice of Pakistan next month, visited Jaranwala’s Daanish School, where he received briefings from the police and civil administration. He also took the opportunity to meet with the victims of the displaced Christian community and expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. During his visit, Justice Isa also inspected an affected church and settlement that had been targeted by a violent mob.
Justice Isa voiced his dissatisfaction with the deputy commissioner, noting that three days had passed since the incident, yet the affected streets had not been cleaned. He instructed the deputy commissioner to immediately ensure the cleanliness of the streets in Christian Colony.
He then engaged with the residents to identify other areas that required assistance and requested to be taken there.
Additionally, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has decided to visit Jaranwala alongside the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab and federal ministers. Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George has been tasked with preparing for the visit.
During the visit, the caretaker prime minister is expected to visit the vandalized churches, meet with the affected people, and express his government’s solidarity with the Christian community. He is also anticipated to announce compensation for the losses incurred by those affected by the lawless incidents.
The riots on Wednesday saw a violent mob of hundreds of people ransack and torch several churches and residences of members of the Christian community in Jaranwala. A cemetery and the office of the local assistant commissioner were also vandalized, forcing the minority community to seek refuge in nearby fields.