Lahore: The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab, Usman Anwar, has disclosed that preparations were in place for the main suspect involved in the Jaranwala incident to flee the country.
During an exclusive conversation with Express News, IG Punjab Usman Anwar stated that the planning behind the departure of the key accused in the Jaranwala incident abroad was well-organized. He emphasized that the ID card numbers of the primary suspects linked to the incident indicated a deliberate strategy.
He mentioned that following the Jaranwala tragedy, the focus shifted away from neighboring countries’ cases of women being raped, with attention instead directed towards Pakistan. The IG Punjab expressed his intention to investigate potential involvement from external sources.
He noted that the violence had spread from one city to another, and there had been an attempted plot to assassinate a priest in Multan, which was thwarted due to prompt actions.
IG Punjab highlighted that more than 130 individuals accused of torching churches had been apprehended, and they would face legal consequences. Additionally, around 170 individuals had been identified through videos and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) records.
Dr. Usman Anwar acknowledged criticism directed at the police for their apparent inaction during the incidents. He explained that confronting a crowd of five to six thousand people could have resulted in loss of life and escalated the situation further. This, in turn, would have tarnished Pakistan’s global reputation.
Moreover, the IG Punjab affirmed the necessity of holding instigators accountable and subjecting them to appropriate punishments. He asserted that any attempts by political parties or groups to exploit the incident against Pakistan would not be tolerated.
In another development, IG Punjab, accompanied by Commissioner Faisalabad, RPO Faisalabad Abid Khan, DIG Ahsan Younis, CPO Usman Akram Gondal, SSP Muhammad Afzal, district administration, and senior police officers, visited the affected area in Jaranwala. They assessed security arrangements and the overall law and order situation.
During this visit, the IG Punjab met with representatives of the Christian community and residents, inspected the damaged churches and homes, and assured them of enhanced security. He informed victims that the Punjab government would swiftly initiate restoration efforts for affected churches and residences. Additionally, the Punjab Police would offer free education and amenities to affected Christian children through police welfare schools.
Dr. Usman Anwar subsequently visited a protection camp established at the Danish School in Jardanwala for minority families. He guaranteed complete safeguarding of these families and distributed essential items as gifts.
The IG Punjab reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for the affected families, affirming that those responsible for damaging churches, Christian residences, and properties would be held accountable.
