In a significant development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad acquitted 10 individuals accused of burning a church during the Jaranwala riots of August 2023. The verdict, delivered by ATC Judge Javed Iqbal Sheikh on Wednesday, cited insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution.
deccanherald.com

The acquitted individuals, including Ausaf Ali, his sons Shamoan and Saleem Ali, and others, were charged in connection with the arson attack on a church in Chak 651/2 GB on August 16, 2023. The incident was part of a series of violent attacks targeting the Christian community in Jaranwala, sparked by allegations of Quran desecration by two Christian brothers .

Church management’s counsel, Akmal Bhatti, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, alleging that the police failed to conduct a transparent investigation and ignored substantial evidence. He claimed that one of the victims, whose house was also torched, had identified all the acquitted individuals during a jail identification parade. Bhatti announced plans to appeal the decision at the Lahore High Court .

The Jaranwala riots resulted in the burning of at least 26 churches and the destruction of numerous homes belonging to Christian families. The violence was incited by accusations that two Christian men had desecrated the Quran, leading to widespread attacks by mobs .

Community leaders and human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the acquittals, viewing them as a setback in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Jaranwala attacks. They emphasize the need for thorough and impartial investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents of religious violence.

As the Christian community continues to seek justice, the broader implications of the court’s decision raise questions about the protection of minority rights and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in addressing sectarian violence in Pakistan.