Supreme Court Issues Rebuke over Poor Handling of Attacks on Christians

Pakistan’s Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab Province government over its progress report on anti-Christian attacks in August last year, terming it “worthy of being thrown into the dustbin.” The attacks left multiple churches and homes of Christians ransacked and burned after two Christians were falsely accused of desecrating the Quran. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa said that he felt ashamed after seeing report. Isa noted that the report lacked relevant information such as the registration of FIRs in regard to offenses, the number of suspects named, the status of the cases, names of the relevant courts where cases were pending and the progress made so far. He said it appeared that the police and Punjab government were not interested in punishing the culprits. Isa ordered the Punjab Police to conduct a new and thorough investigation and to ensure prosecution of the accused, warning that officials would be suspended if they failed to yield results. He also directed the Punjab government to submit a report on the progress of the reconstruction work on church buildings and compensation paid to victims. The court added that all citizens deserve to be treated equally.