Christian leaders in Pakistan say police have failed to fully carry out court orders linked to the deadly mob attacks on churches and Christian homes in Jaranwala in August 2023.
Church representatives claim many suspects involved in the violence remain free despite a ruling by Pakistan’s Supreme Court earlier this year directing police to arrest those still absconding and speed up legal proceedings.
The Rev. Khalid Mukhtar, whose parish residence was destroyed during the attacks, said Christian communities are frustrated by the lack of progress.
According to Mukhtar, the Supreme Court ordered police on 31 March to arrest all remaining suspects and instructed an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad to complete the trials within six months. However, he said little has changed on the ground.
Mukhtar said church leaders provided police with photographs and video footage identifying many alleged attackers, but meaningful arrests have not followed. He added that repeated meetings with senior police officials have produced promises but few visible results.
Authorities reportedly filed charge sheets against hundreds of suspects, yet most of those arrested have since been released on bail or removed from the cases. Mukhtar said only one accused person remains in prison.
Police and intelligence officials previously estimated that thousands of people took part in the attacks, which targeted churches, homes and businesses belonging to Christians.
Some Christian complainants reportedly faced intimidation and pressure to withdraw or weaken their statements, especially those from poorer backgrounds. However, church leaders questioned why cases filed directly by the state have also shown little progress.
Mukhtar also called on authorities to reopen several police reports that were later moved into inactive status.
The issue was discussed this week during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, where lawmakers criticised a police report on the investigation as unsatisfactory. The committee requested a revised report from Punjab police officials.
Human rights advocates and Christian representatives told the committee that many affected families still feel justice has not been achieved. Concerns were also raised about compensation payments for victims of the attacks.
The Punjab government said damaged churches had been repaired and dozens of families had received financial support. However, Christian activists argued that some families remain without compensation.
The violence in Jaranwala began after two Christian men were accused of desecrating the Quran and insulting Islam’s prophet. A court later ruled that the allegations were false and linked to a personal dispute.
Rights groups say the case reflects wider concerns over mob violence and the misuse of blasphemy accusations in Pakistan. Although the country’s blasphemy laws carry severe penalties, including the death sentence, accusations alone have often led to attacks against religious minorities.
International advocacy organisations continue to express concern about the treatment of Christians and other minority communities in Pakistan.
Adapted and rewritten from original reporting by Christian Daily International - Morning Star News.
