Lahore :

Pakistan's Supreme Court has denounced the Punjab Province government's progress report on anti-Christian violence in Jaranwala, calling it inappropriate and deserving of rejection by saying it is “worthy of being thrown into the dustbin.” The court has directed officials to provide a fresh report on the August 2017 assaults in Jaranwala within 10 days. Following false accusations of Quran desecration, Christians' churches and houses were ransacked and burned down.

Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice of Pakistan, voiced concern over the case's poor pace, with just 18 charge sheets presented in the previous six months. He also expressed worries about minorities' safety, wondering if Pakistan wants to follow India's predicament, where minorities are not safe.

The court criticized the investigating authorities for their poor pace in identifying the perpetrators of the crime. The chief of police acknowledged that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a Muslim extremist political group, was responsible for the assault. In the meantime, the court ordered an extensive probe and warned of suspensions if no progress was made. It stressed the need to work together to oppose extremism and foster interfaith tolerance.

Church and community leaders have voiced their support for the Chief Justice's ruling, which they believe will bring justice to Jaranwala's Christians. Bishop Azad Marshall, the president of the Church of Pakistan, commended the chief justice for hearing their concerns and holding responsible individuals accountable.

The latest Supreme Court intervention has given the Christian community hope, according to Catholic priest Rev. Khalid Mukhtar. Samuel Makson, a rights activist, expressed gratitude, adding that the court's intervention had resurrected dormant cases.

Christians in Pakistan have endured brutality, prejudice, and blasphemy legislation ever since the nation gained its independence. Christian schools, churches, and religious minorities are the targets of blasphemy law abuse, sectarian violence, and religious fanaticism, which are the driving forces behind this persecution.

Pakistan is listed seventh on the 2024 World Watch List as one of the most difficult places for Christians. The government has experienced criticism for how it treats religious minorities, with recent assaults underscoring the need for safety. The Supreme Court's demand for interfaith unity and equitable treatment is seen as a promising beginning toward tackling these issues.