Pakistan to compensate Christians who lost homes in rioting over alleged desecration of Quran
Aug 21, 2023
Authorities in Pakistan are promising $6,800 in compensation for each of nearly 100 poor Christians who lost their homes when a Muslim mob angered over the alleged desecration of a Quran burned at least 16 churches and damaged houses
MULTAN, Pakistan (AP) — Authorities in Pakistan are promising 2 million rupees ($6,800) in compensation for each of nearly 100 poor Christians who lost their homes when a Muslim mob angered over the alleged desecration of a Quran stormed their neighborhoods, burning at least 16 churches and damaging houses, officials said Monday.
Police said they have arrested dozens more rioters in ongoing raids, bringing the total number of detainees to 160.
Mohsin Naqvi, the top official in Punjab province, made the announcement on X, previously known as Twitter, a day after he visited Jaranwala in Punjab, where hundreds of Muslims went on a rampage last Wednesday over allegations that a Christian man and his friend had desecrated Islam's holy book.
Naqvi held a Cabinet meeting at a burned church in Jaranwala to get approval for the compensation for the victims of last week's violence in the presence of local priests and residents.
Hundreds of terrified Christians who fled their homes have returned only to see destruction everywhere. They have been living outside their burned homes, fearing the structures may collapse.
"They are worried for their safety, they are worried for their children, who witnessed the tragedy and are traumatized," Christian Priest Khalid Mukhtar said. He said according to his information, all 26 churches in Jaranwala were attacked, burned or damaged.
The rioters said a local Christian and his friend tore pages out of a Quran, threw them on the ground and wrote insulting remarks on other pages. Police have arrested the two men.
Local police chief Mansoor Sadiq said they have arrested 160 rioters and are continuing raids to arrest 450 more suspects.
A Christian graveyard was also desecrated in Wednesday's violence, authorities said.
On Monday, Naqvi, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, said all Christians who suffered financial losses from the attacks will receive 2 million rupees in the next 48 hours. He said authorities have begun to repair the churches, and that all damaged places of worship will be restored to their original condition.
But Mukhtar told The Associated Press that Naqvi and other officials only visited one damaged church on Sunday and did not go to the homes of anyone who suffered losses. He challenged Naqvi’s claim about the repair of churches, saying that the walls of two churches were only painted, and needed to be rebuilt.
Last week's attack was one of the most destructive in the country's history. The violence drew nationwide condemnation, with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar ordering the arrest of all those linked to the rioting.
Under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death. While authorities have yet to carry out capital punishment for blasphemy, often mere accusations can incite mobs to violence.
___
Ahmed reported from Islamabad.
MORE NEWS
Why has Google not released Gemini 4 Argon yet? New AI model's safety testing delays wider public access
Google has announced its new flagship AI model, but its access remains limited to selected cybersecurity defenders and internal teams only. The company is testing safety measures, gathering feedback and taking part in the US government’s voluntary pre-release process. Google has not given a fixed date for wider public access, although paid API customers and Google AI Ultra subscribers are expected to receive access next.
Pete Hegseth’s New Field Manual: What does Pete Hegseth's 144-page military manual reveal about his vision for U.S. forces?
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided a 144-page field manual to service members at Quantico. This manual includes transcripts of his speeches and a message from President Donald Trump. Trump emphasized that troops will not be sent into unnecessary conflicts or 'dumb Wars.' Hegseth also announced plans to reduce the number of generals and admirals by 20 percent during his address.
Micron stock has surged 275% this year; MU earnings beat Wall Street estimates as AI demand fuels $60 billion-$63 billion revenue outlook
MU stock today: Micron reported better-than-expected earnings, resulting in a significant stock increase for the company this year. The company is projecting future revenue between $60 billion and $63 billion, exceeding analyst forecasts. Driven by strong demand for memory chips, Micron plans to invest $10 billion in research focused on memory and AI.
Japanese mindset: Zazen- The Japanese Zen practice of sitting still and learning to let the mind be
Japanese mindset: Zazen is a form of seated meditation that focuses on observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practitioners learn to let thoughts arise, pass, and return to their breath over time. The emphasis is on repetition and observing the mind rather than seeking instant transformations. This practice can change the way people experience their thoughts and emotions, fostering a different relationship with stillness.
SEC exposes $15 million alleged scam: How WhatsApp groups, AI trading promises and fake SEC claims lured investors
The SEC has charged multiple entities over two alleged investment scams totaling more than $15 million. The agency says WhatsApp groups, AI trading promises and fake SEC claims were used to attract hundreds of retail investors, with the schemes allegedly involving fraudulent trading platforms and investment programs.
Social Security payment schedule for 2027: When will your check arrive and why could some payments reach you earlier than expected?
The Social Security payment schedule for 2027 gives beneficiaries a useful head start on planning their finances. Most retirement, survivor and disability payments are tied to your birthday and arrive on one of three Wednesdays each month. SSI follows a different calendar, and some payments move into the previous month when weekends or holidays affect the normal date.
US midterm elections 2026: Latest predictions and odds from Polymarket
According to Polymarket, there's a remarkable 93% likelihood that Democrats will secure the House in the 2026 elections. The Senate presents a more competitive landscape with Democrats at 63% and Republicans at 38%. The surge in trading volume indicates high public interest in both markets as November 3 approaches. Key individual Senate races are particularly pivotal, potentially affecting the overall power dynamics.
Andy Burnham wants UK to consider EU re-entry
"We could stay as we are. That's definitely an option, if people think this is the right place to stay," Burnham said, listing certain options including one to "go all the way". It is not clear how Burnham will canvass opinion on the EU, but he said in his conference speech that he would "take the opportunity around the summit to lay out to you, to lay out to the country, what I believe the different options are".
Israel to ramp up pilot checks
Saudi authorities have arrested and interrogated the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. Some 169 of the total 172 passengers on board were Israeli nationals, Ambassador Daniel Meron at the Israeli permanent mission in Geneva told Reuters.
Claude, New Yorker, Bandcamp: RBI rules leave international card payments in grey area
New regulations from the Reserve Bank of India will mandate reporting of international credit card transactions starting October 1. Consumers may need to provide details on all payments for services purchased abroad, leading to potential compliance challenges. The existing framework lacks clarity on how individuals will report these transactions to banks. While international credit card purchases are part of the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, the reporting process remains unclear.