LAHORE/SARGODHA: On May 25, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, arrived in Sargodha, alongside Regional Police Officer (RPO) Shariq Kamal Siddiqui and District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Asad Ejaz Malhi, in response to an attack on two Christian families in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony by an enraged mob.
The incident reportedly stemmed from alleged desecration, prompting the deployment of a large police contingent. DPO Malhi confirmed to The Scoop that when police arrived, the mob had gathered outside the houses. Officers cordoned off the area and safely evacuated all residents.
He emphasised that no fatalities were reported and additional police units were stationed throughout the city to ensure the safety of the Christian community. “The police peacefully dispersed the crowd,” he added.
Despite police efforts, social media footage showed a mob surrounding a bloodied man and others, including teenagers, wrecking furniture. Another video depicted a large blaze outside a house. DPO Malhi insisted these were “fake videos,” asserting that no one was injured.
However, a relative of an injured person contradicted this, stating that his uncle was in critical condition at a hospital and the family was not allowed to meet him.
A statement from Minority Rights March claimed that the videos showed a mob lynching a 70-year-old man and setting his home and factory ablaze, with Punjab police officers present but not intervening.
The Punjab police’s statement confirmed that RPO Shariq Kamal, DPO Malhi, and other officials responded promptly, saving 10 lives and controlling the situation. “There was no loss of life.
More than 10 police officers were injured due to stone-pelting by the angry mob,” the statement said. It praised the police for risking their lives to rescue the families and preventing a great tragedy.
Dr. Usman Anwar met with the officers on security duty and also held discussions with the District Peace Committee and representatives of the Christian community. He commended the police officers for their bravery and timely action. “The brave officers of Sargodha Police are the pride of the police department,” he said, adding that a solid action plan is being formulated to prevent such incidents.
In response to the incident, Punjab Home Affairs Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal visited the site on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Mengal will review the causes and the investigation of the incident and has ordered a comprehensive inquiry.
He stated, “Pakistan belongs to all of us; no injustice will be tolerated under the guise of religion. Action will be taken according to the law after a complete investigation.”
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed serious concern about the situation, urging Punjab Police and district administration to ensure the safety of the Christian community and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Minority Rights March and human rights lawyer Jibran Nasir condemned the state and law enforcement agencies for failing to prevent growing extremism and protect religious minorities.
Sargodha DPO Malhi announced the formation of a district peace committee comprising district administration officials and religious scholars from both Muslim and minority communities. The committee will evaluate the situation and issue a statement, with the Christian community also expected to release their statement soon.
The incident evoked memories of a similar attack in Jaranwala last August, where a mob rampaged through a predominantly Christian neighbourhood, torching dozens of houses and churches.
