A year after mob attacks on churches and Christian settlements in Jaranwala, Punjab, over false allegations of Quran desecration, the survivors are still grappling with trauma, and the investigation is pending, and the Punjab authorities have not submitted an updated inquiry report to the Supreme Court, despite directives.
At a commemoration of the Jaranwala attacks in Lahore organised by the Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation, on Friday, the organisers raised that Jinnah's Pakistan is becoming a lost dream. Peter Jacob, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has criticized the ongoing investigation, stating that the Punjab government has failed to submit a required investigation report to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He questioned the lack of transparency in the investigation of a Christian youth who is currently arrested as the main culprit of the alleged desecration of the Islamic scripture. Jacob further highlighted a systemic failure across all levels of justice, from investigation to prosecution. At least 200 individuals were accused for mob attacks, however, none remain in custody. 34 Christians who were detained under dubious circumstances have been released, he added.
Human rights advocates are voicing their concerns about the broader implications of the incident. Hina Jilani, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, former chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and constitutional expert, condemned the state’s failure to protect minority communities. She described the situation as indicative of a "failed state," where the government’s failure to prevent violence against minorities reflects deeper issues of systemic collusion and institutional failure. While speaking to the New Wave Global, Jilani also pointed out the troubling reality that far-right lawyers' collectives view blasphemy cases as means for business i.e. making money, and wielding power and influence through fear rather than justice.
Irfan Mufti, Deputy Director at South Asia Partnership Pakistan and convener of Joint Action Committee, criticized the government for failing to take action against the far-right party Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), which he says has been behind recent mob attacks and violence against minorities. As per Mufti, the party's leaders and supporters have faced no repercussions for their actions, allowing them to strengthen their influence and continue targeting vulnerable communities.
Mufti argues that the unchecked growth of such extremist groups poses a significant threat to societal harmony and minority rights. He advocates for measures to prevent groups with extremist ideologies from participating in politics. Additionally, Mufti has called for strict regulations on the use of loudspeakers at mosques to prevent the spread of inciteful rhetoric.
Saroop Ijaz, Senior Counsel of the Asia division at Human Rights Watch, echoed the sentiments of continued impunity and lack of accountability. He emphasized that the cycle of violence and lack of legal repercussions for perpetrators represent a significant crisis. Ijaz stressed the urgent need for robust legal and political action to break this cycle and set a clear societal red line against such violence.