Pakistan: Mob burns tourist alive in Swat on charges of blasphemy

According to purported videos of the incident circulating on social media, the victim was a tourist from Sialkot who was burnt alive by an angry mob on Thursday.

According to the Dawn newspaper report, some people in the local market announced that a man had committed blasphemy, following which the mob caught hold of the man and handed him over to the police.

However, soon after, announcements were made from mosques in Madyan, a famous tourist destination in Swat, which further fuelled anger and people rushed towards the police station.

Eyewitnesses said the mob demanded the police to hand over the suspect and when the police refused, the mob forcibly entered the police station.

The Pakistan-based newspaper said police officers fled to save themselves and additional forces were called in to handle the deteriorating law and order situation.

Swat District Police Officer (DPO) said, “People set the police station and police vehicle on fire. The man was burnt alive.”

Exiled Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui shared the footage on Twitter, commenting, “In this video viral on social media, a Pakistani man can be seen being burned alive by a mob in #SwatValley on charges of #Blasphemy. A large crowd around the body can be seen filming the lynching using cameras with torchlight. #Pakistan – Welcome to the Islamic Republic.”

In this video, viral on social media, a Pakistani man can be seen being burnt alive by a mob. #swat Valley finish #Condemnation Allegations. A large crowd surrounding the body can be seen recording the lynching with the help of cameras with torches. You are welcome #Pakistan – Islamic Republic: pic.twitter.com/k7lSlf5Ofn

— Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) 21 June 2024

Barrister Sidra Qayyum also posted on X, highlighting the gravity of the situation, “A tourist from Sialkot was murdered in Swat Pakistan and later the body was burnt on charges of blasphemy and burning of the Holy Quran. The mob attacked the police station and took the accused into their custody. The situation is tense in the area and two persons have been reported injured in the market from police sources.”

A tourist from Sialkot in Swat, Pakistan was beaten to death and later burnt on charges of blasphemy and burning the Holy Quran. The mob attacked the police station and took the accused into custody.

The situation in the area is tense and two people have been reported injured… pic.twitter.com/10wZNdskbk

— Barrister Sidra Qayyum (@Shr_9998) 21 June 2024

The identity of the suspect has not yet been confirmed, but media reports suggest he was a tourist staying at a local hotel.

This tragic incident is the second case of lynching on charges of blasphemy in recent weeks. Last month, a man was killed in Sargodha on similar charges.

The incident underscores the volatile nature of blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, which often lead to mob violence and tragic loss of life and property.

The situation in Swat remains tense while authorities try to restore peace and investigate the incident.