Priyantha Kumara lynching: ATC awards death sentence to 6, hands life imprisonment to 9

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

A mob in Sialkot on Friday tortured a man to death before burning his body, while a heavy contingent of police has been sent to the area to bring the situation under control.

The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, where reportedly the workers of private factories attacked the export manager of a factory and burnt his body after killing him.

Sialkot District Police Officer Umar Saeed Malik said the man, identified as Priyantha Kumara, was a Sri Lankan national.

Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of men and young boys gathered at the site.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the murder, terming it as a "very tragic incident", while the spokesperson for Sialkot police said details would be shared with the media after initial investigation.

Buzdar has summoned a report from the inspector general of police and ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.

"Every aspect of the incident should be investigated and a report should be submitted. Action should be taken against those who take the law into their own hands," the chief minister said.

A similar incident in Sialkot in 2010 had shook the country when an angry mob had lynched two brothers in the presence of police, declaring them dacoits. The incident sparked shock and horror across the country as cellphone footage of the heinous murders was uploaded to video-sharing sites.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1661728/m...ory-worker-to-death-in-sialkot-burns-his-body

 

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

Terrible tragedy, absolutely barbaric. Social media is claiming the man was accused of blasphemy, though the details are yet to be revealed.

 

[street cricketer]

Wait what...

I thought this just another case of run of the mill mob lynching incidents you see in the subcontinent every other week, but the name of the victim caught me by surprise. This is serious news if true. Yes, lynching any person is abominable, but at least that's the norm in the subcontinent where intolerance is high. Lynching a foreign national can lead to a diplomatic issue.

 

[MenInG]

A Sri Lankan national was tortured to death in Sialkot and his body was set on fire after a hundreds-strong mob attacked the factory manager over blasphemy allegations.

Initial reports suggest that the incident took place on Wazirabad Road, Sialkot, where the workers of private factories lynched the Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara.

The Sri Lankan citizen was employed as the export manager of a local factory, reports suggest.

Meanwhile, the police have been dispatched to the area to keep the situation in control as Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Punjab Police Rao Sardar chief took notice of the lynching.

The chief minister also directed the police to submit an inquiry report over the matter as he termed this a "very tragic incident".

“Every aspect of the incident should be investigated and a report should be submitted," Buzdar reportedly said, adding, "Action should be taken against those who take the law into their own hands.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2332263/sri-lankan-citizen-lynched-in-sialkot-over-alleged-blasphemy

 

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

The powers that be must be held accountable for the rising extremism in our society. This was a foreign national, and for a country starved of any substantial FDI, this can cripple the country even more. Maybe that is what is needed for a wake-up call.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Just watched the visuals and my mind went numb. Not even sure what to say!

 

[Rana]

Sialkot is the same place where two brothers were lynched and tortured for hours before being killed? This state really needs to get a grip! Serious amount of work needs to be done to educate these barbaric people about civilisation

 

[street cricketer]

This is a black day for Pakistan in many ways, because this would only reinforce the perception that Pakistan is an unsafe place for foreigners and would have far reaching implications in terms of economic investments (FDI) and sporting activities.

Mob violence is common in the subcontinent and this would be just another news among the many incidents of violence in south asia had the victim been a Pakistani, regardless of whether he was a muslim or a hindu or a christian. But mob violence against foreigners would occupy the headlines in different countries and negatively impact how the country is perceived outside.

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

Pakistan is and will never be safe for non Muslim foreigners. Pak acc had good relations with SL. Imagine if this happened in India with a Muslim, there would have been a 10000 replies by now

 

[Major]

Another day under the leadership of the great imran khan. Where are the police reforms? Where is Usman Buzdar?

 

[Major]

This is a black day for Pakistan in many ways, because this would only reinforce the perception that Pakistan is an unsafe place for foreigners and would have far reaching implications in terms of economic investments (FDI) and sporting activities.

Mob violence is common in the subcontinent and this would be just another news among the many incidents of violence in south asia had the victim been a Pakistani, regardless of whether he was a muslim or a hindu or a christian. But mob violence against foreigners would occupy the headlines in different countries and negatively impact how the country is perceived outside.

Lol nope. This news is gonna be dusted down. Nothing is gonna happen.

Had it happened in Islamabad than it would had caught some fire.

The guy was probably killed by using the blasphemy excuse, plus our pm also keeps giving lectures on islam and how prophet should be respected and wont tolerate any blasphemy.

This event will die down. Nothing is gonna change in our society.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A mob lynched a Sri Lankan manager of a sports factory in Sialkot accusing him of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blasphemy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blasphemy</a> after he allegedly ripped off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TLP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TLP</a> stickers from the factory wall. Hundreds of people gathered, beat him to death and then burnt his body <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/pN3GATyh97">pic.twitter.com/pN3GATyh97</a></p>— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xadeejournalist/status/1466698588529082371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[saeedhk]

When I say Pakistan is the most extremist place on this planet in my opinion, people act so delusional. This is another example of the deep-rooted and widespread extremism, cruelty and barbarity in our country! Utterly shameful!

Our state and establishment is not serious about countering extremism because they are scared or becoming the next Salman Taseer.

This will happen when the state itself promotes extremist narratives!

 

[street cricketer]

Lol nope. This news is gonna be dusted down. Nothing is gonna happen.

Had it happened in Islamabad than it would had caught some fire.

The guy was probably killed by using the blasphemy excuse, plus our pm also keeps giving lectures on islam and how prophet should be respected and wont tolerate any blasphemy.

This event will die down. Nothing is gonna change in our society.

I'm not talking about how the news will be received inside Pakistan, but outside it. It's different when someone is killed in mob violence in his own country and it's different when someone gets killed in an alien country.

One thing going in Pakistan's favour is that the unfortunate victim is a Sri Lankan and the country does not have enough clout in global politics. If this had been a white westerner from the US or the UK, it would have been the Daniel Pearl incident all over again.

 

[Major]

So he ripped of TLP stickers...

That same TLP which our PM gave amnesty

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This is one of the darkest days in Pakistans history.

The lunacy of the mob has genuinely shaken me. What must that poor man have been thinking in his final moments?

What were members of the mob thinking lynching someone for removing stickers?

This is an incident beyond comprehension.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I'm not talking about how the news will be received inside Pakistan, but outside it. It's different when someone is killed in mob violence in his own country and it's different when someone gets killed in an alien country.

One thing going in Pakistan's favour is that the unfortunate victim is a Sri Lankan and the country does not have enough clout in global politics. If this had been a white westerner from the US or the UK, it would have been the Daniel Pearl incident all over again.

Absolutely. Once again your posts are on point.

This will have massive ramifications for the country.

 

[Civil]

There is no hope for us

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Lack of humanity. This is the result of low literacy levels.

 

[saeedhk]

He tore off posters of TLP inside the factory as the place was not for sticking posters. This is sickness! Unfortunately, this sickness will never go away and we will hear of these kinds of incidents every day.

This is the second case in 4 days. Good going!

 

[saeedhk]

There is a video where two factory workers are telling that they are proud of killing their manager.

 

[Mamoon]

“Will show Modi government how to treat minorities” - Imran Khan

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

How can humans be so inhuman? Look at the crowd that gathered to witness... these people were enjoying the show and shouting slogans. Do we have any hope!?!

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Pakistani government need to sign a treaty with first and second world countries to provide a safe passage for our minorities to migrate to the countries where their lives are safe. That’s the only way to protect minorities of Pakistan.
Foreign nationals should also avoid the country like a plague.

 

[LaLoco]

It seem that part of the Pakistan is probably the most backward. Same city where two brothers were lynched to death over suspicious of being thieves and now this. Sialkot believe in mob justice.

Images such as this does not help Pakistan.

 

[Mamoon]

What do you expect from a country where the PM openly appeases to extremists? Had this happened in India with a Muslim on the receiving India, the PM would have fired a thousand tweets by now.

Pakistan is the most extremist, intolerant and hateful country in the world and yet we have the gall to criticize the treatment of minorities in India. India is heaven compared to us.

 

[Mamoon]

Hopefully Sri Lanka will severe diplomatic ties with Pakistan and also refuse to send their cricket team as well. Let Pakistan beg.

We are a disgusting nation and we deserve to be isolated.

 

[MenInG]

SIALKOT: A Sri Lankan national, working as a manager at a private factory on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, was tortured to death by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, authorities said.

District Police Officer Omar Saeed Malik said the workers of the factory severely beat the foreigner, leading to his demise.

The employees also vandalised the factory and blocked traffic, according to the police. Upon receiving a report of the incident, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot and tried to control the situation.

"After successful talks with the angry group of protesters, traffic was resumed on the road," the police official said.

The DPO said an investigation into the death of the foreign manager is under way.

CM orders inquiry

Responding to the development, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said he was "extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident", stressing that no one is allowed to take the law into their hands.

"I have instructed IG Police to thoroughly investigate it [...] Rest assured, individuals involved in this inhumane act will not be spared!!" the chief minister said.

Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar, in a media briefing, said that "approximately 50 people have been arrested".

"CCTV footage is being obtained so that those who were responsible can be identified. Besides this, the RPO and commissioner of Gujranwala Division are on location and personally monitoring the situation.

"The IG has directed law enforcement personnel to produce results in 48 hours after which the probe will be extended," the spokesperson said.

He said he assures everyone that justice will not only be served but will seen to be served.

"Pakistan, in fact any civilised society, cannot allow such gruesome acts to occur. We will conduct a completely impartial inquiry," he said.

"Islam is a religion that preaches peace, security and brotherhood and forbids torture. Those responsible for this act will not be accorded any concessions and will be prosecuted under the law," Khawar said.

'Un-Islamic, inhumane act'

Special Representative to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, said the killing of the factory manager on allegations of blasphemy is "regrettable" and "condemnable". He said the Pakistan Ulema Council strongly condemns the Sri Lankan national's murder.

He said those responsible will be arrested and justice served.

Ashrafi said that the country has laws that deal with blasphemy and by taking the law into their hands, "the attackers have insulted our laws as well".

"Those who killed the Sri Lankan manager in Sialkot have committed an un-Islamic, inhumane act," he added.

Later, addressing a press conference, Ashrafi, on behalf of Pakistan and all schools of thought and people of all religions in the country, condemned the act. "In fact, I believe, those who have committed such an act have brought disrepute to Islam and to Pakistan."

"Those who have acted in this manner have neither served Islam, nor Pakistan. In fact, they have opposed the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his code of conduct," he said.

Ashrafi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, CM Punjab Usman Buzdar and Punjab Police "all have the clear stance that the culprits will not be spared".

The PM's aide said that with such an act, the elements behind it have "attempted to damage" the laws governing blasphemy.

"It is a matter of great pain and sorrow because we have established an environment of love, tolerance and peace with great difficulty in Pakistan. In the last year, not one case of blasphemy was registered in Punjab," he said.

"The 113 cases were reviewed by the Muttahida Ulema Board and people were acquitted of the charges and they are now at home," he added.

He extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and the heirs of the deceased. "This act, and by using the name of Islam, has brought us great shame," he said.

Ashrafi said a joint press conference will be held tomorrow by ulema of various schools of thought and this week religious leaders will go to the Sri Lankan embassy to extend their condolences.

'Deeply alarmed'

As news broke of the incident, international human rights NGO Amnesty International's South Asia division issued a statement saying it is "deeply alarmed by the disturbing lynching and killing" of the Sri Lankan over a blasphemy accusation.

It demanded that authorities immediately conduct an independent, impartial and prompt investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"Today's event underscores the urgency with which an environment that enables abuse and puts lives at risk must be rectified," the NGO said.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

We can't completely blame any government. It's about society and mindset of individuals.
People won't accept diversity.

Pakistan is a country which has come into being on the principle of religious affiliation.

The religious beliefs are confusing, inconsistent , contradictory to reality, unnecessary and really irrelevant. The sooner this gets disposed the better for the country and society.

Need to invest more on Education. Once new generation of Pakistan takes up responsibility, problems will be solved in no time!

 

[Napa]

Why would hundreds attack one man? Do they think they will receive divine favor by such actions?

 

[LaLoco]

SIALKOT: A Sri Lankan national, working as a manager at a private factory on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, was tortured to death by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, authorities said.

District Police Officer Omar Saeed Malik said the workers of the factory severely beat the foreigner, leading to his demise.

The employees also vandalised the factory and blocked traffic, according to the police. Upon receiving a report of the incident, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot and tried to control the situation.

"After successful talks with the angry group of protesters, traffic was resumed on the road," the police official said.

The DPO said an investigation into the death of the foreign manager is under way.

CM orders inquiry

Responding to the development, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said he was "extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident", stressing that no one is allowed to take the law into their hands.

"I have instructed IG Police to thoroughly investigate it [...] Rest assured, individuals involved in this inhumane act will not be spared!!" the chief minister said.

Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar, in a media briefing, said that "approximately 50 people have been arrested".

"CCTV footage is being obtained so that those who were responsible can be identified. Besides this, the RPO and commissioner of Gujranwala Division are on location and personally monitoring the situation.

"The IG has directed law enforcement personnel to produce results in 48 hours after which the probe will be extended," the spokesperson said.

He said he assures everyone that justice will not only be served but will seen to be served.

"Pakistan, in fact any civilised society, cannot allow such gruesome acts to occur. We will conduct a completely impartial inquiry," he said.

"Islam is a religion that preaches peace, security and brotherhood and forbids torture. Those responsible for this act will not be accorded any concessions and will be prosecuted under the law," Khawar said.

'Un-Islamic, inhumane act'

Special Representative to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, said the killing of the factory manager on allegations of blasphemy is "regrettable" and "condemnable". He said the Pakistan Ulema Council strongly condemns the Sri Lankan national's murder.

He said those responsible will be arrested and justice served.

Ashrafi said that the country has laws that deal with blasphemy and by taking the law into their hands, "the attackers have insulted our laws as well".

"Those who killed the Sri Lankan manager in Sialkot have committed an un-Islamic, inhumane act," he added.

Later, addressing a press conference, Ashrafi, on behalf of Pakistan and all schools of thought and people of all religions in the country, condemned the act. "In fact, I believe, those who have committed such an act have brought disrepute to Islam and to Pakistan."

"Those who have acted in this manner have neither served Islam, nor Pakistan. In fact, they have opposed the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his code of conduct," he said.

Ashrafi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, CM Punjab Usman Buzdar and Punjab Police "all have the clear stance that the culprits will not be spared".

The PM's aide said that with such an act, the elements behind it have "attempted to damage" the laws governing blasphemy.

"It is a matter of great pain and sorrow because we have established an environment of love, tolerance and peace with great difficulty in Pakistan. In the last year, not one case of blasphemy was registered in Punjab," he said.

"The 113 cases were reviewed by the Muttahida Ulema Board and people were acquitted of the charges and they are now at home," he added.

He extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and the heirs of the deceased. "This act, and by using the name of Islam, has brought us great shame," he said.

Ashrafi said a joint press conference will be held tomorrow by ulema of various schools of thought and this week religious leaders will go to the Sri Lankan embassy to extend their condolences.

'Deeply alarmed'

As news broke of the incident, international human rights NGO Amnesty International's South Asia division issued a statement saying it is "deeply alarmed by the disturbing lynching and killing" of the Sri Lankan over a blasphemy accusation.

It demanded that authorities immediately conduct an independent, impartial and prompt investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"Today's event underscores the urgency with which an environment that enables abuse and puts lives at risk must be rectified," the NGO said.

Even TLP leadership will not afford to speak in support of the disgusting mob.

 

[Mamoon]

Arresting people after the crime is not a solution and does not solve anything. Even if these people are sentenced to death, so what? It will not bring back the victim.

The interesting thing to note is that these perpetrators will happily die and accept capital punishment because they will consider themselves as Jihadis who sacrificed their lives defending Islam.

What we require is a change in mindset so that these hate crimes are not committed in the first place. Once they are committed, it doesn’t matter if the government can take action or not.

Unfortunately, this mindset cannot be be changed when you have a PM who openly supports and provides patronage to extremist elements and is heavily influenced by sectarianism.

Imran has completely destroyed Pakistan’s global image and is rightfully viewed as a supporter of extremism.

 

[LaLoco]

Why would hundreds attack one man? Do they think they will receive divine favor by such actions?

Most are spectator.
In sub-continent, in such incident, most become spectator instead of stopping the act of barbarism.

 

[Mamoon]

“ Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeating the same mistakes.”

The last tweet by Imran. It couldn’t be more ironic. It was posted yesterday.

Why hasn’t Imran tweeted about this incident yet when he wastes no time in tweeting about India whenever a Muslim is scratched. Why is he quiet now? Why doesn’t he address the public directly? Who is he afraid of?

 

[street cricketer]

Yes we can blame the city of Sialkot, people's literacy levels and even Imran going soft on TLP all we want, but that would merely be looking away from the root cause of the issue. The fact of the matter is that blasphemy is punishable by death according to the constitution of Pakistan. The mob merely carried out what's written in the constitution, but in unlawful manner.

I posted in an another thread on blasphemy laws that no Pakistani poltician can ever dare to change the status of the blasphemy laws in the country and anyone who dares to do so would be publicly assassinated. Just two days later, this happens. Until the root cause is tackled, this issue won't really die down. But for that to happen, you would have to get acceptance from the majority.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Why would hundreds attack one man? Do they think they will receive divine favor by such actions?

Mob Mentality.
During childhood some 25 years back I have seen these kind of Mob Attacks in villages (Not Religions attacks).

Now our villages looks completely different, huge changes in society.

 

[LaLoco]

Yes we can blame the city of Sialkot, people's literacy levels and even Imran going soft on TLP all we want, but that would merely be looking away from the root cause of the issue. The fact of the matter is that blasphemy is punishable by death according to the constitution of Pakistan. The mob merely carried out what's written in the constitution, but in unlawful manner.

I posted in an another thread on blasphemy laws that no Pakistani poltician can ever dare to change the status of the blasphemy laws in the country and anyone who dares to do so would be publicly assassinated. Just two days later, this happens. Until the root cause is tackled, this issue won't really die down. But for that to happen, you would have to get acceptance from the majority.

No! changing the blasphemy law won't make any difference unless it is accompanied with education of the masses, better economy that was destroyed by the previous government over the past 30 years.

Changing the law at this point is for symbolism and make few foreigner happy so Pakistan can get few cookie points.

Past government had used religion to get in power and no government can change that in one term, it has to be a gradual process, unfortunately.

 

[Romali_rotti]

As unfortunate as this is, this has now become the norm in India and Pakistan.....

@ Lonewarrior, how come you don't you participate in threads like this ?

 

[street cricketer]

No! changing the blasphemy law won't make any difference unless it is accompanied with education of the masses, better economy that was destroyed by the previous government over the past 30 years.

Changing the law at this point is for symbolism and make few foreigner happy so Pakistan can get few cookie points.

Past government had used religion to get in power and no government can change that in one term, it has to be a gradual process, unfortunately.

Then people should not blame the mob too much, because they merely carried out the justice what the state believes in, but in an unlawful manner.

 

[LaLoco]

Then people should not blame the mob too much, because they merely carried out the justice what the state believes in, but in an unlawful manner.

Hold up!!! what?

How is that any different than someone other than law enforcer murdering a suspected murderer on the streets? still a crime and that person will end up in jail for murder according to the law unless it is a bollywood movie.

 

[saeedhk]

I have been saying that the whole world needs to boycott Pakistan and stop providing aid until it rolls back discriminatory laws, releases all those accused of blasphemy and ensure no misuse of the blasphemy law. Only then will the Pakistan state take any action.

 

[saeedhk]

It seem that part of the Pakistan is probably the most backward. Same city where two brothers were lynched to death over suspicious of being thieves and now this. Sialkot believe in mob justice.

Images such as this does not help Pakistan.

The whole Pakistan is backward! People have been beaten and burnt to death all over Pakistan.

 

[street cricketer]

Hold up!!! what?

How is that any different than someone other than law enforcer murdering a suspected murderer on the streets? still a crime and that person will end up in jail for murder according to the law unless it is a bollywood movie.

Yes, this actually happens in India. Sometimes when a gang of criminals gang rape a woman or a child and kill the victim, they'll get mysteriously shot dead by the police in an encounter while allegedly "trying to escape" from the police custody. And the police usually would get appreciation from the public because they think that justice would be delayed very late if the case went through Indian courts and the police merely carried out the justice, although in an unlawful manner under a cover up. So the public should not be hard on the mob here too, because they merely carried out what's justice according to the constitution.

You either support the premise of the blasphemy law or you're against it. You cannot be like I support the blasphemy law but it should be carried out by the law after 'thorough investigation' by the police and the judiciary. The public would then only feel that justice would get denied by the Pakistani courts (they sure are not going to hang a Sri Lankan national in Pakistan) and this would embolden them to take matters into their own hands, which happened in this case.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

“ Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeating the same mistakes.”

The last tweet by Imran. It couldn’t be more ironic. It was posted yesterday.

Why hasn’t Imran tweeted about this incident yet when he wastes no time in tweeting about India whenever a Muslim is scratched. Why is he quiet now? Why doesn’t he address the public directly? Who is he afraid of?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1466770570637422592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Ramsay]

So sad. There is no humanity left anywhere on this planet.

 

[LaLoco]

Yes, this happens in India as well. Sometimes when a gang of criminals gang rape a woman or a child and kill the victim, they'll get mysteriously shot by the police in an encounter while allegedly "trying to escape" from the police custody. And the police usually would get appreciation from the public because they think that justice would be delayed very late if the case went through Indian courts and the police merely carried out the justice, although in an unlawful manner under a cover up. So the public should not be hard on the mob here too, because they merely carried out what's justice according to the constitution.

You either support the premise of the blasphemy law or you're against it. You cannot be like I support the blasphemy law but it should be carried out by the law after 'thorough investigation' by the police and the judiciary. The public would then only feel that justice would get denied by the Pakistani courts (they sure are not going to hang a Sri Lankan national in Pakistan) and this would embolden them to take matters into their own hands, which happened in this case.

It seem you are trying too hard to be correct instead of understanding the 'main' point of my comment.

Illegal is illegal, a random person killing a suspected murderer on the street is still a crime and murderer, and a person will be held responsible, and hopefully those responsible will be held accountable and face the justice in this case. Emotions does not change that fact unless it is a bollywood movie.

So the public should not be hard on the mob here too

-- what?

Vast majority on this forum and anywhere on the internet are upset at this and rightly so, and anyone suggesting otherwise need to get their head examined.

Two borthers were lynched to death by Pakistani mob in the same city over suspicion of being thieves, does that mean I shouldn't be upset of them getting murdered by a mob just because Pakistani law may have let them go free? get real man.

 

[street cricketer]

It seem you are trying too hard to be correct instead of understanding the 'main' point of my comment.

Illegal is illegal, a random person killing a suspected murderer on the street is still a crime and murderer, and a person will be held responsible, and hopefully those responsible will be held accountable and face the justice in this case. Emotions does not change that fact unless it is a bollywood movie.

-- what?

Vast majority on this forum and anywhere on the internet are upset at this and rightly so, and anyone suggesting otherwise need to get their head examined.

Two borthers were lynched to death by Pakistani mob in the same city over suspicion of being thieves, does that mean I shouldn't be upset of them getting murdered by a mob just because Pakistani law may have let them go free? get real man.

The Pakistani law does not prescribe the death penalty for theft, but it does so for blasphemy though.

I'm just saying the mob merely carried out what the state believes is "justice" in case of blasphemy convictions in Pakistan. Yes you can be angry at the mob for carrying out justice through their own hands, instead of allowing the state to do so.

 

[MenInG]

Sad to see the usual crowd coming over to this thread to make cheap points against PM Imran Khan.

 

[uberkoen]

Sad to see the usual crowd coming over to this thread to make cheap points against PM Imran Khan.

Sad to see people still supporting a terrorist sympathizer

My previous post on this thread calling him that was deleted. What else would you call the person who negotiated with the likes of TLP and Taliban?

He’s legalized them and gave them the strength they needed to do things like this.

He is responsible for this death.

 

[James]

How absolutely horrific. RIP

 

[uberkoen]

The Pakistani law does not prescribe the death penalty for theft, but it does so for blasphemy though.

I'm just saying the mob merely carried out what the state believes is "justice" in case of blasphemy convictions in Pakistan. Yes you can be angry at the mob for carrying out justice through their own hands, instead of allowing the state to do so.

I’m sorry but I honestly thought you were smarter than this.

A mob isn’t allowed to carry out a sentence or deliver a decision.

There is a legal system in place for a reason.

This is the reason people in India are able to do this so easily and get away with mob lynchings because they have the same mentality as yours.

 

[LaLoco]

The Pakistani law does not prescribe the death penalty for theft, but it does so for blasphemy though.

I'm just saying the mob merely carried out what the state believes is "justice" in case of blasphemy convictions in Pakistan. Yes you can be angry at the mob for carrying out justice through their own hands, instead of allowing the state to do so.

Again, you are playing with words to be correct.

A murder is a murder, no matter who commits it, unless it is in self-defense. The minute a society failed to distinguish then incident like such that continue to happen. This understanding will come with education, investment on human development, and that is why I believe, IK government is much better than previous government Pakistan had.

Suspected rapist, suspected thieve, or in this case, this poor Sri Lankan getting murdered by the mob is still a murder despite the law the land allow for capitol punishment for respective crime.

Any justification is going backward, not solving that issue, and we can argue if the law should exist or not, it does not justify killing of a suspect by the mob.

I understand you have an issue with Blasphemy law and I do, too. But, murder is a murder and the state of Pakistan need to hold those who are responsible according to the law despite, whether one agree with the blasphemy law.

 

[street cricketer]

I’m sorry but I honestly thought you were smarter than this.

A mob isn’t allowed to carry out a sentence or deliver a decision.

There is a legal system in place for a reason.

This is the reason people in India are able to do this so easily and get away with mob lynchings because they have the same mentality as yours.

You don't get what I'm really trying to say do you..There was a poor man called Mohammed Akhlaq who once got lynched by hindutva fundamentalists in UP because they accused him of eating beef. Turns out he wasn't really eating beef, and was only eating mutton, but that doesn't matter.

Saying the mob shouldn't be taking justice into their own hands and that only the state should punish people after carrying out detailed investigations is like saying the hindutva mob shouldn't have killed Akhlaq but only the state should have carried out justice and ascertained whether he was eating beef or mutton. The fact that people think we need a law to punish people by death because their religious sentiments are hurt in the 21st century is beyond cave man mentality. It shouldn't really matter if Akhlaq was eating beef or mutton, even if intentionally caused blasphemy against the Hindu religion (which he did not btw), he shouldn't be punishable by death according to the laws and any state or 'legal system' that has laws and provisions to do so is no different in mentality from the extremist mob who killed Akhlaq 6 years back or this poor Sri Lankan man today.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Sad to see the usual crowd coming over to this thread to make cheap points against PM Imran Khan.

The government showed weakness against TLP and what we're seeing is the result of that. I know the PM has nothing to do with this at all but he is indirectly responsible in instilling the confidence in these thugs.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

This is pretty shocking and disturbing.

 

[realitygaf]

And Pakistanis want countries to tour and enable and normalize this more

 

[srh]

This is a black day for Pakistan in many ways, because this would only reinforce the perception that Pakistan is an unsafe place for foreigners and would have far reaching implications in terms of economic investments (FDI) and sporting activities.

Mob violence is common in the subcontinent and this would be just another news among the many incidents of violence in south asia had the victim been a Pakistani, regardless of whether he was a muslim or a hindu or a christian. But mob violence against foreigners would occupy the headlines in different countries and negatively impact how the country is perceived outside.

I remember some years ago an Australian Christian priest was burned alive along with his small kids in India by hindu extremists. It was extremely brutal you could not believe humans can go so low. So there is a precedence of mob violence against foreigners in South Asia.

 

[srh]

So he ripped of TLP stickers...

That same TLP which our PM gave amnesty

how can you smile while an innocent is murdered so brutally ?

 

[shah_1]

Sad day for Pakistan.

Truly ashamed today of what happened

 

[srh]

SIALKOT: A Sri Lankan national, working as a manager at a private factory on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, was tortured to death by a mob over allegations of blasphemy, authorities said.

District Police Officer Omar Saeed Malik said the workers of the factory severely beat the foreigner, leading to his demise.

The employees also vandalised the factory and blocked traffic, according to the police. Upon receiving a report of the incident, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot and tried to control the situation.

"After successful talks with the angry group of protesters, traffic was resumed on the road," the police official said.

The DPO said an investigation into the death of the foreign manager is under way.

CM orders inquiry

Responding to the development, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said he was "extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident", stressing that no one is allowed to take the law into their hands.

"I have instructed IG Police to thoroughly investigate it [...] Rest assured, individuals involved in this inhumane act will not be spared!!" the chief minister said.

Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar, in a media briefing, said that "approximately 50 people have been arrested".

"CCTV footage is being obtained so that those who were responsible can be identified. Besides this, the RPO and commissioner of Gujranwala Division are on location and personally monitoring the situation.

"The IG has directed law enforcement personnel to produce results in 48 hours after which the probe will be extended," the spokesperson said.

He said he assures everyone that justice will not only be served but will seen to be served.

"Pakistan, in fact any civilised society, cannot allow such gruesome acts to occur. We will conduct a completely impartial inquiry," he said.

"Islam is a religion that preaches peace, security and brotherhood and forbids torture. Those responsible for this act will not be accorded any concessions and will be prosecuted under the law," Khawar said.

'Un-Islamic, inhumane act'

Special Representative to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, said the killing of the factory manager on allegations of blasphemy is "regrettable" and "condemnable". He said the Pakistan Ulema Council strongly condemns the Sri Lankan national's murder.

He said those responsible will be arrested and justice served.

Ashrafi said that the country has laws that deal with blasphemy and by taking the law into their hands, "the attackers have insulted our laws as well".

"Those who killed the Sri Lankan manager in Sialkot have committed an un-Islamic, inhumane act," he added.

Later, addressing a press conference, Ashrafi, on behalf of Pakistan and all schools of thought and people of all religions in the country, condemned the act. "In fact, I believe, those who have committed such an act have brought disrepute to Islam and to Pakistan."

"Those who have acted in this manner have neither served Islam, nor Pakistan. In fact, they have opposed the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his code of conduct," he said.

Ashrafi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, CM Punjab Usman Buzdar and Punjab Police "all have the clear stance that the culprits will not be spared".

The PM's aide said that with such an act, the elements behind it have "attempted to damage" the laws governing blasphemy.

"It is a matter of great pain and sorrow because we have established an environment of love, tolerance and peace with great difficulty in Pakistan. In the last year, not one case of blasphemy was registered in Punjab," he said.

"The 113 cases were reviewed by the Muttahida Ulema Board and people were acquitted of the charges and they are now at home," he added.

He extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and the heirs of the deceased. "This act, and by using the name of Islam, has brought us great shame," he said.

Ashrafi said a joint press conference will be held tomorrow by ulema of various schools of thought and this week religious leaders will go to the Sri Lankan embassy to extend their condolences.

'Deeply alarmed'

As news broke of the incident, international human rights NGO Amnesty International's South Asia division issued a statement saying it is "deeply alarmed by the disturbing lynching and killing" of the Sri Lankan over a blasphemy accusation.

It demanded that authorities immediately conduct an independent, impartial and prompt investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"Today's event underscores the urgency with which an environment that enables abuse and puts lives at risk must be rectified," the NGO said.

The bolded part is a huge red flag on how the government is dealing with this kind of issue. So the mob first killed the man, then burned his body, then vandalized the factory, then blocked the traffic and still the government is having talks with them?
The government should have arrested all of them on spot and if they resist then shot to death.

 

[JaDed]

RIP. hopefully culprits get punished as it’s on video.

 

[RexRex]

Why blame the mob who are just doing what they think is their religious duty?

What do you expect when even the leader of the country legitimises the idea of blasphemy every chance he gets, be it in speeches, interviews or global forums like the UN assembly. Imran Khan is directly responsible for creating this climate of hyper-religiosity and extremism.

 

[street cricketer]

I remember some years ago an Australian Christian priest was burned alive along with his small kids in India by hindu extremists. It was extremely brutal you could not believe humans can go so low. So there is a precedence of mob violence against foreigners in South Asia.

That is true, it was the tragic Graham Staines incident. It was one of the blackest days in India's history and India received real bad press for that one. But there's a difference here. Pakistan's economy is in bad shape right now and would need foreign investments to grow the economy, this would put off any fdi coming to Pakistan because foreigners would want safety the foremost while doing business in Pakistan. Nobody would want to do business in a country as a foreigner where they could get killed by the public for flimsy reasons.

Secondly, already Pakistan's public perception was damaged due to the war on terror and it was slowly building good perception and winning back the trust of foreign countries, getting international sports back to Pakistan. Now a team like New Zealand ditching Pakistan in the last minute citing security threats would be vindicated in doing so and they would simply say "see foreigners are not safe in Pakistan". This might affect the likes of Australia touring Pakistan, which is why I'm saying this is such a terrible incident for Pakistan's PR.

 

[srh]

The Pakistani law does not prescribe the death penalty for theft, but it does so for blasphemy though.

I'm just saying the mob merely carried out what the state believes is "justice" in case of blasphemy convictions in Pakistan. Yes you can be angry at the mob for carrying out justice through their own hands, instead of allowing the state to do so.

I know you are not that stupid so what is your motive? A mob killing an innocent minority in Pakistan does not mean mob killing innocent minorities in India are justified.

 

[saeedhk]

The bolded part is a huge red flag on how the government is dealing with this kind of issue. So the mob first killed the man, then burned his body, then vandalized the factory, then blocked the traffic and still the government is having talks with them?
The government should have arrested all of them on spot and if they resist then shot to death.

Cannot do anything to mullahs! If they were protesting peacefully for their rights, they would have been disappeared forever like the Balochis! The state has time and again shown its citizen that if you use violence, kill people and vandalise property, you would be lauded and never prosecuted. Utterly shameful!

 

[dildilpak]

How in the world is removing TLP posters blasphemous? The onus for this anarchy is completely on the govt who pander to these guys which emboldens them to carry out such inhuman acts. Truly sickening!

 

[realitygaf]

Cannot do anything to mullahs! If they were protesting peacefully for their rights, they would have been disappeared forever like the Balochis! The state has time and again shown its citizen that if you use violence, kill people and vandalise property, you would be lauded and never prosecuted. Utterly shameful!

Pakistan should have tested a tactical nuke on the mob

 

[topspin]

Pakistan is a disgusting place. I don't think I will ever take my Arab fiancé there. I can never subjugate her to people with this type of mindset.

 

[realitygaf]

Sad day for Pakistan.

Truly ashamed today of what happened

It’s sad if this was prevented in future. No it’s not sad for pakistan
. It’s normal . This is what the country is at this point

 

[James]

<B>The Express Tribune: At least 50 arrested over lynching of Sri Lankan citizen: Punjab govt.</b>

<I>PM’s aide Tahir Ashrafi condemns incident, says clerics will visit Sri Lankan embassy to offer condolences.</I>

Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar on Friday said that at least 50 people allegedly involved in killing of a Sri Lankan national over blasphemy allegations in Sialkot have been detained thus far.

The Sri Lankan national was tortured to death in the Punjab Town earlier today. An angry mob of hundreds also set the body of foreign national on fire after lynching him over blasphemy allegations.

Addressing the media hours after the tragic incident, the spokesperson, flanked by PM’s aide on interfaith harmony Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi and Inspector General Police Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan, said Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar have issued directives to detain all accused involved in the heinous crime.

He said that officials were obtaining the CCTV footages of the incident to arrest the culprits and added that the Punjab police chief had directed the officials to submit the report within 48 hours.

Khawar said as per a preliminary police investigation report the incident occurred at 11.30 in the morning, when the enraged factory workers tortured the foreign national, who was a manager in the factory, to death and later burnt his body on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot.

Speaking on the occasion, PM’s aide Tahir Ashrafi condemned the incident saying the lynching of the man is against the teachings of Islam.

“We are ashamed over this incident and offer condolences to Sri Lanka,” he added.
Ashrafi said no one is allowed to take law into their own hands as laws are present to deal with blasphemy related cases. “If someone has committed blasphemy then he should be brought to justice in court,” he added.

Asrafi, who is also a chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), said that all religious scholars will hold a separate press conference on this matter and will also visit the Sri Lankan embassy to offer condolences.

“Undoubtedly, this is an act of barbarism which has nothing to do with Islam, Sunnat or humanity,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq termed the incident highly reprehensible saying that the brutal killing of the foreign national defamed the image of Islam and country.

“This has nothing to do with Islam or religious teachings. The perpetrators should be arrested through an impartial investigation and punished,” he demanded in a tweet.

A police official, who arrived at the scene of the incident, had told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity that the deceased was the operational manager at the factory for the past seven years.

He said the Sri Lankan national was accused by the factory workers of "tearing down Durood Sharif" written on posters of a religio-political party on the factory walls. Rumours then started circulating across the factory area and a mob started gathering in the morning, he said, adding that police were informed about the incident much later at around 12:15pm.

When the police arrived at the scene, the victim had already been tortured to death and his body was being set to fire. "The police did try to stop the mob from setting the body on fire, but the rioters' strength was overwhelming," police told The Express Tribune.

 

[Bewal Express]

Horrific and horrible. Hang each and everyone that took part.

 

[realitygaf]

<B>The Express Tribune: At least 50 arrested over lynching of Sri Lankan citizen: Punjab govt.</b>

<I>PM’s aide Tahir Ashrafi condemns incident, says clerics will visit Sri Lankan embassy to offer condolences.</I>

Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar on Friday said that at least 50 people allegedly involved in killing of a Sri Lankan national over blasphemy allegations in Sialkot have been detained thus far.

The Sri Lankan national was tortured to death in the Punjab Town earlier today. An angry mob of hundreds also set the body of foreign national on fire after lynching him over blasphemy allegations.

Addressing the media hours after the tragic incident, the spokesperson, flanked by PM’s aide on interfaith harmony Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi and Inspector General Police Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan, said Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Usman Buzdar have issued directives to detain all accused involved in the heinous crime.

He said that officials were obtaining the CCTV footages of the incident to arrest the culprits and added that the Punjab police chief had directed the officials to submit the report within 48 hours.

Khawar said as per a preliminary police investigation report the incident occurred at 11.30 in the morning, when the enraged factory workers tortured the foreign national, who was a manager in the factory, to death and later burnt his body on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot.

Speaking on the occasion, PM’s aide Tahir Ashrafi condemned the incident saying the lynching of the man is against the teachings of Islam.

“We are ashamed over this incident and offer condolences to Sri Lanka,” he added.
Ashrafi said no one is allowed to take law into their own hands as laws are present to deal with blasphemy related cases. “If someone has committed blasphemy then he should be brought to justice in court,” he added.

Asrafi, who is also a chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), said that all religious scholars will hold a separate press conference on this matter and will also visit the Sri Lankan embassy to offer condolences.

“Undoubtedly, this is an act of barbarism which has nothing to do with Islam, Sunnat or humanity,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq termed the incident highly reprehensible saying that the brutal killing of the foreign national defamed the image of Islam and country.

“This has nothing to do with Islam or religious teachings. The perpetrators should be arrested through an impartial investigation and punished,” he demanded in a tweet.

A police official, who arrived at the scene of the incident, had told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity that the deceased was the operational manager at the factory for the past seven years.

He said the Sri Lankan national was accused by the factory workers of "tearing down Durood Sharif" written on posters of a religio-political party on the factory walls. Rumours then started circulating across the factory area and a mob started gathering in the morning, he said, adding that police were informed about the incident much later at around 12:15pm.

When the police arrived at the scene, the victim had already been tortured to death and his body was being set to fire. "The police did try to stop the mob from setting the body on fire, but the rioters' strength was overwhelming," police told The Express Tribune.

50 ? There were over a 1000. Almost all will be freed by Monday after getting free party meal in jail

 

[street cricketer]

I know you are not that stupid so what is your motive? A mob killing an innocent minority in Pakistan does not mean mob killing innocent minorities in India are justified.

Not sure what part of my post justified mob violence in India. I have time and again talked against hindu nationalism in India here and believe it's the worst thing to have occurred to my country.

My point is not really difficult to understand. When a state has laws that carry the death penalty for 'hurting religious sentiments' in the country, it is inevitable that things like this will happen again and again. Sure, repealing the laws will not make these type of incidents magically disappear, but the state having such laws only enables extremists like these.

I believe religion is a net negative influence in our region, but that's too radical a thought for the subcontinent. But at the very least, I think we should not be having laws like the blasphemy law or the cow slaughter laws if we're to have any hope of catching up with the rest of the world in the 21st century. But that's for the people of Pakistan to decide, not me. My only point is don't have the blasphemy law on one hand and pretend to get shocked when things like these happen.

 

[saeedhk]

I hate of say it but such incidents will only increase. In fact, blasphemy-violence has become the norm in Pakistan. This is the third blasphemy-related incident in one week. We need a strong leader who is not afraid of extremists and a brave and progressive COAS who thinks about the future of this country. Unfortunately, I do not see any leader currently who is willing to take a tough stance against extremism. Today is a dark day for Pakistan.

 

[Sirris]

The heart weeps.

 

[Rinnegan Sasuke]

Not sure what part of my post justified mob violence in India. I have time and again talked against hindu nationalism in India here and believe it's the worst thing to have occurred to my country.

My point is not really difficult to understand. When a state has laws that carry the death penalty for 'hurting religious sentiments' in the country, it is inevitable that things like this will happen again and again. Sure, repealing the laws will not make these type of incidents magically disappear, but the state having such laws only enables extremists like these.

I believe religion is a net negative influence in our region, but that's too radical a thought for the subcontinent. But at the very least, I think we should not be having laws like the blasphemy law or the cow slaughter laws if we're to have any hope of catching up with the rest of the world in the 21st century. But that's for the people of Pakistan to decide, not me. My only point is don't have the blasphemy law on one hand and pretend to get shocked when things like these happen.

I agree, as long as it'll remain state policy to punish those accused of blasphemy it's naive to think incidents like this will be curbed. However, it is impossible to even think about approaching this topic without setting a target on your head let alone bringing in legislation.

Ideally, countries like Pakistan need a separation of church and state more than modern-day secular countries due to religion being such a sensitive and important part of daily life.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

That is true, it was the tragic Graham Staines incident. It was one of the blackest days in India's history and India received real bad press for that one. But there's a difference here. Pakistan's economy is in bad shape right now and would need foreign investments to grow the economy, this would put off any fdi coming to Pakistan because foreigners would want safety the foremost while doing business in Pakistan. Nobody would want to do business in a country as a foreigner where they could get killed by the public for flimsy reasons.

Secondly, already Pakistan's public perception was damaged due to the war on terror and it was slowly building good perception and winning back the trust of foreign countries, getting international sports back to Pakistan. Now a team like New Zealand ditching Pakistan in the last minute citing security threats would be vindicated in doing so and they would simply say "see foreigners are not safe in Pakistan". This might affect the likes of Australia touring Pakistan, which is why I'm saying this is such a terrible incident for Pakistan's PR.

While it's a very sad incident, this doesn't really have to do with security of cricket teams. Mob violence is a seperate issue from concerns over terrorist attacks etc.

 

[boomboomcheema]

Imran Khan comes on the State Television , calling for all Muslim countries to get United and take action against the Cartoons that are published and other blasphemous acts that are committed in the West. Raises the issue of Blasphemy on various platforms to appease the Pakistani public.

Now many people think they also have the duty towards the Noble cause of taking action against Blasphemers.

Indirectly Imran Khan has emboldened the confidence of these Aashiq-e-Rasools.

 

[mazkhan]

The courts need to be swift in handing out justice

The People involved directly in the killing must face the death penalty nowhere in islam are you allowed to burn people alive or carry out mob justice or desecrate bodies .

The whole image of the country is at stake if the courts and authorities start dilly dallying around.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

live confession in front of reporters...