Charges dropped on Blasphemy case laid against Farrukh and his father in Gujranwala!

Elder Mushtaq gill and his son Farrukh Mustaq (nick named raja) were accused of burning the Quran and were found innocent on the 11th April 2011. Despite early reports, they were not arrested but taken into safe custody Thursay 14th April by the local Senior Superintendent of Poilce. This action was taken due to severe provocation from a fanatic mob. Local Police took them to a secret destination.

A known local informant from Gujranwala commented:

"The mob and ensuing panic surrounding the incident caused great tension in our area of Gulzar Colony and Aziz Colony commonly called Phatta. On Friday morning namaz announcements were made from a local mosque calling for local Muslim people to protest and gather against the purported desecration of the Quran. This resulted in evacuation of homes in the area by local Christians. Some families including Pastor Eric and my own remained"

A large squadron of Police have been surveying the area some stayed on local roof tops others on the streets. Their intent was to ensure that calm was reinstated to the polarised community and to give confidence to local people.

The local Imam led a Muslim procession through the streets of the local Christian enclave yesterday, their participants numbered clsoe to 100 (not 600 as reported in some local news stories). The procession itself was herded by local Police preventing any untoward activity or clash. Anti-Christian slogans were shouted at local Christian people causing much fear amongst the local community. The procession passed by the local Mission Compound, Christian Technical Training Center and the procession ended at the City Police Officers Office.

The protesters though small in number increased local apprehension and this subsequently was followed by much rumour of further and multiple protests.

Our local informant further commented:

At the moment the situation is under control and it seems that the matter has been settled. hopefully elder sahib and raja will be free in a few days as they are innocent, but still nothing can be predicted as tomorrow is Palm Sunday than we have Good Friday. We are concerned that Terry Jones is planning another stupidity on Good Friday."

There is much speculation surrounding the purpose of this recent attack. The majority of local people feel that this is just a case of professional rivalry as Farrakh Mushtaq was recently promoted to a position as Operational Manager at the National Bank of Pakistan.

In closing our informat told us:

"some people in the bank didn't like it, there may be some family dispute, like some female involvement etc, I can't disclose the reason as its too early.
Please do Pray for all of us here in Gujranwala."