US urges Pakistan probe into violence against minorities

The United States has urged Pakistan to investigate mob attacks against churches and Christian homes that broke out in Jaranwala amid blasphemy rumors.

Hundreds of protesters attacked a predominantly Christian area after allegations spread that the Holy Quran had been desecrated.

“We are deeply concerned that churches and homes were targeted in response to reported Koran desecration in Pakistan,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

He said that while the United States backed free expression, “violence or the threat of violence is never an acceptable form of expression.”

“We urge Pakistani authorities to conduct a full investigation into these allegations and call for calm,” he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday offered congratulations to caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar in a post on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

“As Pakistan prepares for free and fair elections, in accordance with its constitution and the rights to freedom of speech and assembly, we will continue to advance our shared commitment to economic prosperity,” Blinken said.

Kakar, who earlier promised “stern action” against the Faisalabad attackers, thanked Blinken in his own post on X.

“The interim government will be assiduously working to facilitate a free and fair election process in Pakistan,” his post said.

“We place importance on our partnership with the US and deeply value the shared commitment to economic prosperity, democracy and stability in the region,” added Kakar.