Man Burned Alive in Swat, Pakistan Over Alleged Desecration of Holy Quran

In a tragic event in Swat, Pakistan, a mob allegedly tortured a man to death by burning him alive on June 20 over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. The incident took place in Madyan, a popular tourist town 340 km from Islamabad.

Police Actions

Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Zahidullah Khan stated that the police had initially moved the suspect to the police station. However, a charged mob attacked the station, took the suspect away, and set him on fire. The mob also set fire to the police station and a mobile vehicle.

Police have arrested 27 suspects, including two brothers, and are conducting further raids for more arrests. A heavy police force has been deployed in Madyan to control the tense situation.

Government Response

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the lynching incident, calling for an end to ‘street justice’. During a budget debate in the National Assembly, he described the incident as horrific and urged parliament to take stern notice of mob justice, which he said is bringing Pakistan to the brink of destruction.

Historical Context

Between 1987 and 2022, at least 2,120 people have been accused of committing blasphemy in Pakistan. Last month, police saved a Christian man in Sargodha from an enraged mob over similar allegations, but he died nine days later due to his injuries. In 2022, a man was stoned to death by a mob in Khanewal district over alleged desecration.