Lahore, Pakistan -  Blasphemy allegations led to the vandalization of several churches in Pakistan's Punjab province on Wednesday, according to officials.

According to reliable sources state that the Salvation Army Church, United Presbyterian Church, Allied Foundation Church, and Shehroonwala Church in the Isa Nagri area of Jaranwala district, Faisalabad, were subjected to ransacking. Imran Bhatti, the pastor of Jaranwala tehsil, mentioned that a Christian cleaner's residence, accused of blasphemy, was also demolished. Punjab police chief Usman Anwar stated that negotiations were underway with the protestors, and the area had been cordoned off.

The Punjab police have been coordinating with peace committees to address the situation, while police across the province have been activated. However, Christian leaders have criticized the police for being passive observers during the incident.

President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, Azad Marshall, voiced his concerns over the incident, noting that "Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harassed under false accusations"

Calling for justice and action, he appealed for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of all citizens, emphasizing their worth in their own homeland. He shared his distress on X, formerly known as Twitter, mentioning that priests, bishops, and lay people were deeply affected by the incident.

Former senator Afrasiab Khattak condemned the incident, demanding that those responsible for the vandalism be held accountable. He criticized the Pakistani state for failing to provide security to places of worship for minorities. He further asserted that the lack of consequences for crimes committed in the name of religion has emboldened extremists and terrorists.

Minority groups, including Christians and Hindus, have frequently faced blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, leading to trials and even sentencing under stringent blasphemy laws.