Kakar says no compromise on protection of minorities in Pakistan

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar along with Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the violence-hit Jaranwala and distributed checks among the victims belonging to the Christian community in a ceremony on Monday.

According to the 24News HD TV channel, Caretaker PM Kakar addressed the gathering and said no compromise can be made on the issue of protection of minorities and if the minorities are attacked, the state and the laws of the state are with the oppressed.

Kakar said the protection of every citizen is the responsibility of the government and the protection of minorities is the responsibility of Muslims.

PM Kakar said the Jaranwala tragedy indicated the disease in society and he was deeply saddened by politics based on hatred.

He further added that if any group attacks, the state will take action as extremism has nothing to do with any religion, language or region so those responsible will be brought to justice.

In connection with the Jaranwala incident, the PM said that they are well aware of the target and objectives of the enemy which are something else. He added that the enemy of the state and society always attacks the judicial system first.

Anyhow, the PM declared that if any group attacks, the state will take action.

He said he was happy that the incoming Chief Justice came to Jaranwala.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi addressed the ceremony and said the suspects in the Jaranwala incident have been arrested.

CM Naqvi assured the Christian community that all churches will be restored to a better condition than before and financial aid checks will be given to those whose houses were burnt on August 16.

The channel reported that PM Kakar accompanied by Punjab CM Naqvi, federal ministers, and other members of his interim cabinet visited Jaranwala and met the affected people of the Christian community.

Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar briefed him about the police investigation into the burning down of churches and Christians’ houses in Jaranwala while Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi also apprised the premier of progress on the matter by the provincial government.

Addressing a function held at a church in Jaranwala on Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Naqvi said that Islam teaches its followers to treat minorities with respect.

He said that work was in progress for the repair and restoration of homes and churches, which had been destroyed and burnt in riots that broke out in the city a few days ago over the allegation of desecration of the Holy Quran.

“Rs2 million will be given to each family for the repair of their home,” he announced.