The National Assembly of Pakistan passed a resolution on Sunday condemning the recent surge in mob lynching incidents in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The resolution calls on the authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly religious minorities, and to bring the perpetrators of such heinous acts to justice.
This resolution comes in the wake of a horrific incident in Swat Valley, KP, where a local tourist was brutally tortured and killed by a mob following accusations of desecrating the Holy Quran.
The mob then set his body alight, igniting widespread outrage and calls for action.
Also read: Blasphemy accused burnt to death in Nankana Sahib in latest mob lynching
During Saturday’s parliamentary debate, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stressed that this was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend of violence committed in the name of religion.
He called for immediate measures to curb such incidents.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also addressed the National Assembly, urging it to take a definitive stance on the issue.
“The House believes that the right to life is the most cherished right as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan,” he stated.
The resolution, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, emphasized that every person should be treated in accordance with the law.
Expressing serious concern over the recent mob lynchings in Swat and Sargodha, the resolution noted an alarming increase in such incidents across various parts of the country.
“The House strongly condemns these horrific and tragic incidents, which cannot be tolerated in any civilized society,” the resolution declared.
The resolution called on both the federal and provincial governments to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, especially religious minorities and other vulnerable segments of society.
It also urged the administrations in Punjab and KP to take all necessary measures to identify, investigate, and prosecute those involved in these violent acts.
“The House also expects that the courts shall ensure immediate and speedy justice in these cases,” the resolution added.
In response to the Swat incident, KP police have formed a joint investigation team to apprehend all individuals involved, utilizing CCTV footage to aid their efforts.
Dear world, I’m ashamed to be born & raised in Swat. After seeing this, I’m stressed & can’t sleep. It’s not the 1st time; I’ve witnessed such violence live before, the beheading of Pir Samiullah & his colleagues. I wrote his 30-page story. I can no longer claim we are civilized. pic.twitter.com/KAH8Odj6MA
— Arshad Yousafzai (@Arshadyousafzay) June 23, 2024
As National Assembly passes resolution against mob lynching, unfortunately, mob lynchings are not uncommon in Pakistan, where even mere accusations of blasphemy can incite violent responses.
In Swat, the mob stormed the police station where the tourist was detained, dragged him out, and subsequently killed him.
