Pakistan: Over 100 Arrested Following Church Burnings
The Facts
Pakistani authorities have arrested 129 Muslims for participating in mob violence after a group of Muslims attacked churches and the homes of Christians in the eastern Pakistani city of Jaranwala on Wednesday. The attacks followed accusations that two Christian men — who've also been arrested — had desecrated a copy of the Quran.
The two Christians, who fled their homes alongside their families, were accused of blasphemy, an extremely serious allegation in Pakistan. The police stated that they found pages of the Quran with derogatory comments written in red that were connected to the Christian suspects.
The Spin
Narrative A
This attack on Christians is completely unacceptable. Pakistan must reel in Islamic extremists who seek to spread their dangerous ideology. Minorities are constantly under threat in contemporary Pakistan, which for decades has become an increasingly hostile place for those who are not Sunni Muslims. Officials must do more to promote religious tolerance.
Narrative B
Mobs incited by accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan are almost always a product of personal scores or attempts to acquire increased political clout. Though the ranks of these mobs are filled with extremists, religion is not necessarily the inciting factor. In order to address these conflicts, authorities must consider the motives of individuals or groups who believe they can acquire political or social gains via mob incitement.
