The United States on Wednesday called on Pakistan to investigate mob attacks on churches and Christian homes in Faisalabad’s Jaranwala amid rumors of blasphemy.
Hundreds of people attacked a Christian-majority area on the outskirts of the industrial city yesterday after allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran spread.
“We are deeply concerned that churches and homes were targeted in Pakistan in response to reports of desecration of the Quran,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.
He said that while the United States supports freedom of speech, “violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of expression.”
“We appeal to the Pakistani authorities to fully investigate these allegations and remain calm,” he said.
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where anyone who insults Islam or Islamic figures can face the death penalty.
Critics say rumors of insulting Islam are often spread as a way to settle scores against non-Muslims.
Anti-Christian violence is the latest unrest in the world’s fifth-most populous country, where on Monday a little-known senator, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, was sworn in as caretaker prime minister to see through elections.
Secretary of State Antony Blanken congratulated Kakar in a post on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.
Congratulations to new Pakistan Interim Prime Minister @anwaar_kakar. As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections, in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 16, 2023
“As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections, consistent with its constitution and rights to freedom of expression and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity,” Blanken said.
Kakar, who had earlier promised “stern action” against the Faisalabad attackers, thanked Blanken in his post on X.
His post said that the interim government will work diligently to facilitate a free and fair electoral process in Pakistan.
“We value our partnership with the United States and deeply value our shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy and stability in the region,” Kakar added.
Thank you @SecBlinken. The interim government will be assiduously working to facilitate a free and fair election process in Pakistan according to the Constitution. We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity,… https://t.co/6lSlmLvv19
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023
Pakistan has been in the grip of instability since Imran Khan, the country’s most popular politician, was ousted as prime minister and recently jailed for corruption in what his supporters say is an attempt to keep him from office. is given
Khan has accused the United States of working to oust him, a claim strongly denied by Washington, which says it has policy differences with Khan.
