After the alleged blasphemy incident, the situation in Sargodha is under control

At least 25 persons were detained, according to Punjabi police in the Sargodha district, following a violent mob raid on the home of a Christian family who was charged with blasphemy.

The man lived in the Mujahid Colony neighbourhood; the situation descended into violence when angry neighbours broke into his home, destroying his possessions and setting fire to a shoe factory that was located there. In addition, they destroyed nearby electrical installations and set fire to tyres.

Following receiving the information, a large police presence encircled the area, rescuing the accused and his family and moving them to an undisclosed location.

Asad Aijaz, a District Police Officer (DPO), and Sharik Kamal Siddiqui, a Regional Police Officer (RPO), were also on hand to maintain situational control.

In addition, police used tear gas to break up the crowd and took at least 25 persons into custody who were reportedly participating in the rioting.

Police officials declared that everyone would not be permitted to take the law into their own hands because the situation had been controlled.

Following the conclusion of the blasphemy incident investigation, RPO Siddiqui announced that individuals found guilty of blasphemy would face legal prosecution.

After conducting an open investigation into the incident, Sargodha Division Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti promised in a statement that those responsible would be held accountable.

However, he also affirmed that there were no fatalities in the incident and advised the public to disregard “rumours” about it on social media.

The commissioner stated, “Only one person sustained injuries in the incident,” and added that he would soon be released from the hospital and in stable condition.

The home secretary for Punjab declared that any form of violence against someone under the pretext of their religion would not be accepted and that the accused would face consequences following the conclusion of an investigation.

The RPO had earlier verified that the crowd had also thrown stones at the police party but had already dispersed.

In the meantime, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) voiced worries about the circumstances in Sargodha and urged the district government and Punjab Police to restore order and prosecute those responsible quickly.