July 8, 2026
By Hafiz ullah Storai Sherani
ISLAMABAD
Even after three years, not one of the suspects involved in the Jaranwala incident have been arrested. Nor has the compensation been paid to the survivors of the incident, while the rehabilitation work done so far has been termed ‘substandard’ by stakeholders. These matters were discussed in a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights.
Held under the chairpersonship of Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, the meeting was attended by other Senators, Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), high-ranking police officers, prosecution officials from all provinces, representatives of the minority community especially the Jaranwala survivors, and those from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
Speaking to the Senate committee, representatives of the Jaranwala victims said that despite the passage of three years, the victims have neither been adequately heard, nor have their losses been redressed, and the key perpetrators behind the incident have not been brought to justice.
Speaking to Voicepk, Lala Robin Daniel, Chairman of the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan, spoke about the problems they were facing even after surviving the harrowing attack.
“Despite all government claims, we are still waiting for justice and assistance today,” he said. “The government had assured us that all losses incurred in Jaranwala will be compensated — in fact both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab made this promise, but nothing happened. The Jaranwala survivors even staged a sit-in for over 17 days trying to make their demands heard. Today we are a little more hopeful because today after six or seven previous meetings, we were heard properly in the Senate Committee, and we have been assured that the entire matter will be reviewed afresh.”
Background and context of the incident
This tragic incident took place on August 16, 2023, in the Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad district, Punjab, when an enraged mob with links allegedly to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) attacked Christian localities following allegations of blasphemy against two brothers.
According to the reports during the incident, rioters engaged in widespread vandalism and arson across various areas, including Isa Nagri (Jaranwala) and its surroundings. More than 21 churches and dozens of houses belonging to the Christian community were torched and severely damaged, and the valuable belongings inside them were reduced to ashes. While there were no lives lost, hundreds of families had to flee their homes overnight to take refuge in nearby fields and safer locations. The community was left facing severe financial insecurity and profound psychological trauma.
Senator Tahir Khalil Sindhu was also present at the committee meeting.
“The grievances and complaints of the community are absolutely valid,” he said. “They have neither been heard nor had their complaints addressed, which is precisely why this matter was brought before the Senate committee. Now, their losses will be compensated. In the official committee that is being formed, representatives of the victims will also be included, and the investigation will be conducted thoroughly.”
The Chief Secretary of Punjab and senior police officials informed the committee that out of nearly 5,000 individuals allegedly involved in the incident, an additional 1,200 individuals were identified last month. Meanwhile, most of the approximately 300 arrested suspects have been released after securing bail from the courts.
Speaking to Voicepk, the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, noted that the situation highlighted how the process of redressing the victims’ grievances remained sluggish, despite orders from the Supreme Court and High Court, as well as official announcements by the Prime Minister and the Punjab Chief Minister. She expressed deep surprise that full redress has still not been achieved even after three years.
According to Zehri, the Home Secretary of Punjab had informed her that they had assisted the victims in the Jaranwala case, however the representatives of the victims who had attended the meeting were neither happy nor satisfied. Those affected had also presented all necessary evidence and documentation to the relevant authorities. Therefore, the committee had now issued directives to government representatives to work alongside the victims to properly re-examine the entire issue, relief operations, and the compensation of financial losses.
“I have asked the Home Secretary to review the matter again. We hope to get some concrete answers in the next meeting,” she said.
During the committee meeting, the head of the Awami National Party (ANP), Senator Aimal Wali Khan, criticised the indifference by the Punjab Police.
“It was only when pressure was built on the police that they identified 1,200 more people but after three years; this should have been done much earlier,” he said. “While the police, courts, and government have their respective responsibilities, society also bears certain social responsibilities to help prevent such incidents from occurring.”