The citizens of the Swat Tragedy, Pakistan, burned a man alive over accusations of blasphemy.
According to police officials, residents from the Madian area alleged that the man desecrated the Quran. They subjected him to violence, stripped him naked, and dragged him on the streets. When police arrested the accused and took him to the station, a mob set the police station on fire, which caused destruction. The enraged crowd then pulled out the accused from the Police Station and burned him alive.
Authorities said that the accused died due to violence and burning. During the attack on the police station, eight cops were injured.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur expressed grief over the incident and took notice by calling the IG for a report. He also appealed to citizens for peacefulness.
After the incident, hotels in Kalam and surrounding areas were closed while tourists remained inside their vehicles.
Religious Scholars Condemnation
Religious scholars have strongly condemned the Swat Tragedy.
Allama Tahir Ashrafi termed it a barbaric incident and stressed the need to reduce bitterness in public attitudes. He said no one has the right to become an executioner or judge on his own. Therefore, culprits must be punished accordingly.
He emphasized that the court is responsible for ascertaining anyone’s innocence or guilt; moreover, the state needs to restore people’s confidence through the judiciary system, too.
Dr. Raghib Naeemi stated such incidents have nothing to do with Islam instead. We need to eradicate this mindset from society. He called for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be arrested and prosecuted.
Religious scholar Hamad Lakhvi noted the increasing apathy and extremism among the public. Urging all stakeholders to work together to end this environment. He reiterated that punishing individuals is the courts’ job, and existing laws should be enforced.
Former Minister of Religious Affairs Aniq Ahmed called the incident highly regrettable. Reminding that Islam teaches that keeping one life is akin to saving all humanity and questioning whether these teachings are only for hearing and not for action.
