In a bold move to address the recent horrifying mob attacks on churches and homes of Christians, the government in Pakistan's Punjab province has formed a high-powered Joint Investigation Team (JIT). This six-member JIT, headed by SSP Anti-Terrorism Court (CTD) Punjab police, is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which resulted in the burning down of 21 churches and 86 houses by a mob allegedly led by members of the extremist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). This decision comes a week after the incident took place and showcases the government's commitment to bringing the culprits to justice.

In a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, the JIT has been given the authority to investigate the FIRs of the Jaranawala incident under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. Over 200 people, including TLP activists, have been arrested so far in connection with the attacks, and the evidence collected, including video footage, will be presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) to ensure a conviction. The Punjab Inspector General Police (IGP), Dr. Usman Anwar, emphasized that the police will meticulously gather all types of evidence to set an example through this case.

However, while progress is being made on the legal front, the caretaker Punjab government has faced criticism for failing to fulfill its promise of restoring all damaged churches and compensating affected families. Napoleon Qayyum from the Pakistan Centre for Law and Justice expressed concern that no restoration work has begun yet and only a few damaged homes have received compensation. He also highlighted the lack of arrangements for food and lodging for the affected Christians. Amidst these challenges, leaders from various religious and political groups have come together to issue a joint declaration, demanding that the federal and Punjab governments take immediate action to reconstruct the damaged churches and houses.

The "Interfaith Harmony Conference" further called for the punishment of the perpetrators and an impartial investigation into the tragedy. The joint declaration proposed the formation of a committee comprising Muslim and Christian leaders to oversee the investigation, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between religions and transparency in the final report.

The Punjab government has announced a compensation amount of Rs 2 million each for 94 Christian families, aiming to help them rebuild their lives. However, Christian leaders argue that more needs to be done, as at least 200 houses were damaged in the violence and all affected families should receive compensation. While the road to justice and recovery remains challenging, the formation of the JIT and the joint declaration's demands reflect a united front across religious and political lines in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this tragedy and ensuring the well-being and safety of the Christian community in Jaranawala.