JARANWALLA, Pakistan: A tense situation is prevailing in the city area here that has been cordoned off by the police owing to an angry mob vandalizing the churches over blasphemy.
“The negotiations are underway and people have been asked to stay calm,” said a police official. There are three churches, two comparatively very small and located in narrow lanes while one main church house majority of the Christian community visits during Sunday Mass and other events.
The people have been asked to leave the area and peace committees have been asked to initiate dialogue and diffuse the situation. Reinforcement has also been sought to keep the situation under control.
Christian community representative Bishop Azad Marshal on social media platform X stated bibles have been desecrated besides a number of Christians were tortured and are falsely accused of violating Holy Quran.
Bishop Azad Marshal who is also the ‘Bishop of Pakistan Church’ has appealed to the authorities for justice and safety of the community that is under threat and fear for their lives.
“We have just celebrated the Independence Day and we have nurtured Pakistan with our blood and we have worked hard for the country we call home,” said Christian cleric adding, “The elders in the community are deeply pained and shocked to witness what has happened.”
