Over 100 people detained in attacks on churches in Pakistan

TORONTO

More than 100 people have been detained in Pakistan's Punjab province following attacks on churches and the homes of Christian residents after a Christian man was accused of desecrating Islam’s holy book, the Quran, media reports said Wednesday.

The attacks occurred in Jaranwala in Faisalabad district of Punjab after some Muslims living in the area claimed they had seen a local Christian and his friend tearing out pages from a Quran, throwing them on the ground and writing insulting remarks on other pages.

A group demolished the man’s home and damaged churches. The homes of other Christians living in the area were also targeted.

Multiple churches were also set on fire in the central-eastern region, Bishop Majeed Able told Anadolu.

More than 6,000 security forces were deployed to the areas where the incidents took place to ensure public order.

Authorities noted that there were no casualties or injuries.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar condemned the events in a statement on his social media account and said that harsh action would be taken against those responsible for violating the law and targeting minorities.