PESHAWAR: The Peshawar police, in collaboration with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Special Branch, arrested another 17 individuals on Sunday linked to the lynching of a man accused of blasphemy in the Swat district last week. This brings the total number of arrests to 23.
Authorities have been rigorously investigating the brutal mob attack that occurred in the tourist resort of Madyan on Thursday night. The mob, enraged by allegations of blasphemy, beat a local tourist, Muhammad Suleman, to death and set his body and the police station ablaze. Graphic videos of the incident, showing a frenzied mob dragging a naked and bloodied body through the streets before setting it on fire, went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among Pakistani users.
A 10-member joint investigation team (JIT) has been formed to probe the incident. The team, monitored by the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police for the Malakand division, includes officials from the CTD, Special Branch, and other senior police officers. The JIT's mandate includes identifying approximately 2,000 individuals involved in the mob, using cellular data and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for confirmation.
Superintendent of Police Hazrat Khan, leading the investigation, stated that the JIT is systematically collecting evidence, performing forensic analysis of CCTV footage, and recording statements from eyewitnesses. Preliminary reports indicate that no political or high-ranking figures were present at the scene of the lynching.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend of mob violence in Pakistan, often sparked by accusations of blasphemy. Last month, a Christian man in his seventies was attacked by a mob in Sargodha, Punjab, and later succumbed to his injuries. In another high-profile case in 2021, a Sri Lankan factory manager was lynched, leading to global condemnation and the sentencing of six individuals to death.
The Swat lynching has drawn sharp criticism, with many calling for stronger enforcement of the law to prevent such incidents. The National Assembly recently passed a resolution condemning mob violence and urging authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly religious minorities and other vulnerable groups.
During the session, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif emphasized the parliament's responsibility to protect people and minorities from such violence. He condemned the misuse of religion for personal vendettas and highlighted that no evidence of blasphemy had been found in many cases where mob violence occurred.
Speaking to Arab News, security expert Syed Kaleem Imam emphasized the need to build police capacity to handle such sensitive situations and to educate the community to prevent such incidents. He noted that standard operating procedures should be in place, and community policing should be strengthened to help law enforcers manage such emergencies effectively.
As the investigation continues, the authorities are under immense pressure to bring all those responsible to justice and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
