Pakistan: Mob lynches Sri Lankan over blasphemy allegations

In Pakistan, a Sri Lankan factory manager was beaten to death and set ablaze by a mob, police confirmed, in an incident local media reported was linked to alleged blasphemy. Friday's incident took place in Sialkot. Punjab government spokesman Hasaan Khawar told reporters in Lahore that police have already arrested 50 people. Prime Minister Imran Khan said he would personally oversee an investigation into "the horrific vigilante attack" which he also called "a day of shame for Pakistan". "Let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law," he tweeted.

The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 3, 2021

A Pakistan official told AFP that Islamabad had been in touch with Sri Lankan diplomats over the incident "and have assured them that all those involved in the heinous crime will be brought to justice" Rights groups say accusations of blasphemy can often be wielded to settle personal vendettas, with minorities largely the target."Today's event underscores the urgency with which an environment that enables abuse and puts lives at risk must be rectified," Amnesty International South Asia said in a tweet under the hashtag "Sialkot", which was trending in Pakistan.