The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep grief and anger over the unchecked attack on over 100 homes belonging to the Christian community in Badami Bagh area on Friday.
The shocking incident occurred after a young Christian man was accused of blasphemy.
It was regrettable that the Punjab administration had not learnt any lessons from previous such incidents, including those that occurred in Gojra and Shantinagar, and have totally failed in providing protection to a minority community that was under siege. Instead of investigating the case, the police arrested Christians while those who went on a rampage and could be easily identified from television footage, remain free.
The attack was yet another shameful incident against a vulnerable community and was further confirmation of the slide toward extremism in society on the one hand and, on the other hand, the apathy and inaction that had become a norm among the Punjab Police. Handing out compensation cheques was not a solution, instead strong action against those responsible must be ensured by the provincial government.