The strict blasphemy laws were introduced in 1986 however in 1992, the sentence of offence was increased to the death sentence in the case of 295-C. As per data compiled by the Centre of Social Justice in its Human Rights Observer, atleast 2,120 persons were accused between 1987-2022 under Blasphemy laws (section 295-B & C and 298) of the 1,022 accused were Muslims, 718 were Ahmadis, 279 were Christians and the remaining others. Atleast 88 persons were killed extra-judicially after allegations related to blasphemy. The highest cases, 1,590 were reported in Punjab.
The range of cases of blasphemy in Punjab is high and has a history of mob attacks on Christian settlements. The number of accused though is 279 (addition in 2023 as well) however the suffering of the community raised significantly in terms of loss of life, religious sentiment, church buildings, houses, and finances.
The first systematic mob attack happened in 1997 in Shantinagar District Khanewal and thereafter the series continues. Some of the major mob attacks on Christian settlements include Sanglahill in 2005, Gojra in 2009, Faisalabad in 2010, Joseph Colony in 2013.
Recently on August 16 2023 (continues even after 25 years of the first attack), two Christian individuals were accused of the Blashemphy and later the mob attacked Christian settlements all over Tehsil not limited to the colony near cinema chowk Jaranwala.
As per initial reports, around 22 churches are vandalized, around 350 houses are looted and burnt and livestock of people have been taken. The rage against Christians spread all over Tehsil Jaranwala and vandalising, looting, and burning happened in different villages of Tehsil.
Furthermore, many Bibles were burnt and symbols of religion, particularly the Cross were thrown from Churches, houses, and graves. The anger was severe and somehow in response to continuous incidents of desecration of the Quran in the West, specifically Sweden.
Seeking reasons for mob attacks on Christian settlements after the accusation of blasphemy against any Christian individual is not too simple. There are different reasons behind it. One of the major issues is increased radicalisation after 9/11. The young generation after the 80s has been taught particularly about the leadership of Pakistan in Muslim Ummah. As it reached nuclear deterrence, the idea of leadership became stronger.
After 9/11 Muslim countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria, unfortunately, were attacked and treated inhumanely by Western countries. The issues of Palestine and Kashmir were also there and they all led to thinking about how to respond to the West. The Christians ironically due to their colonial heritage link with missionaries and the West were soft targets. Their identity despite their service to the country in terms of medical, education, defence, and civil services remains in question for a common Muslim. T
he experiences of the Muslim minority in the West particularly in the US after 9/11 made a significant impact on seeing Christians in Pakistan as Western allies and thus a punching bag for encountering the West. The other is the baradari system in Punjab, Christian are considered a separate baradari or qoum.
As per prevailing rules in rural/tribal settings, baradari has to face the consequences of the act of an individual. As per precedent, mobs demand the custody of the accused one and otherwise punish the whole baradari in the form of attacks and looting, and burning of houses.
However, interestingly it happens mostly in Central Punjab, having most urban settings involving individualistic life. The central argument of the mob is that accused are not hanged to death by the court thus they want to set a stage of court by themselves.
By that time, the issue of blasphemy and mob attack has become complex and has no simple solution for the state and society. The demand for justice still stands as in most of the cases of mob attacks no person was held responsible. The landmark decision of Justice Tasdiq Jilani given in 2014 still needs full and final implementation.
One of the main points was to establish a Minority Protection Unit however only Islamabad took a step to establish the said force in the month of August 2023. On the other hand, though mob attack is a general issue, still the Police force couldn't develop a mechanism to handle a mob instigating violence. State and society have to take responsibility for safety and protection. The recent attack has widened the already shuttered trust in the society and state.
However, one of the major concerns is what would be the next. The response would be twofold; ensuring justice and rehabilitation/rebuilding the structures and the community. As per previous practice, attackers got arrested however the final conclusion of the case remained unjust. It would be a test case of how the state and society ensure justice.
The second yet important thing is to rehabilitate/rebuild the structures and community. There is a need for estimation of loss to the economy of the community and city due to incidents for better reporting and decision-making. The state usually makes a fixed contribution towards affected families which are often not fulfilled properly.
In the case of Joseph Colony’s compensation package, the cheques were bounced as reported in the news. The government must ensure the structures for the living of people are back on track. The people irrespective of religion, or caste around the globe are trying to address the initial/immediate needs of the community. The people on the ground can be more helpful. One of the aspects that are usually forgotten is the rehabilitation of people’s emotions involves therapy to help them to come out from fear.
As I personally faced the incident of mob attack after the extra-judicial killing of two accused of blasphemy in Faisalabad in 2010, I can understand the fear and trauma of the incident.
At the same time, I believe that unity and collaborative efforts can be helpful in restoring the business/house of people. I still remember how we young people helped to restore a small barber shop, later that combined effort led us to be the helping hand of many others, particularly the deserving/low-income students.
The first systematic attack happened in 1997, now it is 2023 and it seems the series of mob attacks will continue. One of the points to consider is the reflection Christians in Pakistan need to do on the current tragedy and the times coming ahead.
Firstly, let's look at the history of Christianity which continues to exist in times of persecution, the church was built and grew under the ground. The resilience to the circumstances is what makes a community firm and strong.
However, migrating to somewhere else is always a personal choice. Secondly, in case of a mob attack, adopt different suitable strategies, some of them are to move to already identified safe places, prepare a handy bag containing educational documents/property papers and other valuable things, and do have an emergency fund. The same goes for the Churches and church-based organizations to have emergency funds which will be helpful for the initial needs of the community.
There is also a lack of a Central Coordination Committee in case of ensuring justice (court cases) and rebuilding/rehabilitation of the community. Collaborative efforts are the need of time.
However, at the same time do not forget the love, care, and support of your Muslim fellows. This cannot and never let go of our engagement with our Muslim country fellows for a better and prosperous Pakistan.