Muscat – Oman expressed its strong condemnation of the brutal acts of vandalism that targeted a number of churches and homes in the city of Faisalabad in Eastern Pakistan.

An official statement from the Foreign Ministry applauded the Pakistani government’s actions in addressing these actions that contravene religious and human values. Additionally, Oman reiterated its firm stance against any form of violence, animosity and intolerance aimed at any religious belief.

Last week, a mob rampaged through an area predominantly populated by Christians on the outskirts of Faisalabad, an industrial city in Pakistan. This followed allegations that two Christian men had torn pages from the Holy Quran.

Citing officials, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported that several churches in the Jaranwala district of Faisalabad were vandalised following accusations of blasphemy. The newspaper also highlighted that members of the Christian community were subjected to physical attacks.