Pakistan: SC rejects Punjab police report in Badami Bagh case

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a report filed by the Punjab police in Badami Bagh suo moto case, and expressed displeasure over authorities for their failure to cope with the violence. A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, comprising Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Azmat Saeed, heard the case pertaining to Saturday’s mob attack on Christian neighborhood in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area in which over 100 houses were burnt down. Fortunately, there were no causalities. The enraged crowd was protesting for the arrest of a sanitation worker, Sawan Masih, 28, who allegedly uttered derogatory remarks against the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). At the beginning of hearing, acting Inspector General Punjab Police turned up and submitted a report over the incident. He said that police baton-charged to disperse the protestors. At which, Justice Gulzar said the police played their role as silent spectators. The court asked why measures for the protection of Christian community were not taken if their homes were evacuated a night before the riots, according to the police claim. “You should quit if you don’t know anything,” the CJP said. The CJP said neither the report indicates those responsible nor it contains any account of police action against attackers. The SC bench also expressed its displeasure over the federal government over non-appointment of IG Punjab police despite court orders.