“Deeply shocked”: Justice Isa visits site of Jaranwala incident

FAISALABAD: Senior judge of the Supreme Court Justice Qazi Faez Isa has reinforced the significance of “the white in the national flag”, saying that it “symbolises the safeguarding of minority rights.”

The constitution of Pakistan guarantees complete religious freedom for minorities, ensuring the protection of their lives, property, and places of worship, Justice Isa said.

The statement comes after he visited Jaranwala in the Faisalabad district on Saturday to personally assess the aftermath of the recent attack on churches. He said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident and that the victims should be compensated.

Justice Isa, who is set to become the Chief Justice of Pakistan next month, engaged with local authorities and community members to understand the situation on the ground.

Upcoming Chief Justice of Pakistan, J Qazi Faez Isa visited #JaranwalaIncident site along with his wife! Justice Isa said that the protection as well as integrity of the Christian community will be protected, no matter what! pic.twitter.com/qTn1fRwnrs

— Maryam Nawaz Khan (@maryamnawazkhan) August 19, 2023

During his visit, he reportedly received briefings from both the police and the civil administration at the Danish School in Jaranwala, gaining insights into the circumstances surrounding the attacks. The senior judge also took the time to meet with members of the displaced minority community who were affected by the incident. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and expressed his deep sadness over the unfortunate events.

Justice Isa further inspected the targeted church and the affected settlement, both of which were subjected to the violence of a mob.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday asserted that the provincial government was making all-out efforts to restore the churches and Christians’ homes vandalised in the Jaranwala tragedy.

Read more: Efforts underway to restore churches damaged in Jaranwala incident: CM Naqvi