Authorities said a Sri Lankan national working as a manager at a private plant on Sialkot’s Wazirabad Road was tortured to death by a mob over blasphemy allegations.
According to District Police Officer Omar Saeed Malik, the foreigner was violently beaten by industrial workers, resulting in his death.
According to the authorities, the workers allegedly damaged the factory and blocked traffic. The police force arrived at the scene after receiving a report of the event and attempted to contain the situation.
“After successful talks with the angry group of protesters, traffic was resumed on the road,” the police official said.
The DPO said an investigation into the death of the foreign manager is underway.
Responding to the development, Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar said he was “extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident”, stressing that no one is allowed to take the law into their hands.
I am extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident. I have instructed IG Police to thoroughly investigate it. No one is allowed to take law in their hands. Rest assured, individuals involved in this inhumane act will not be spared!!
— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) December 3, 2021
“I have directed the IG Police to conduct a thorough investigation […] Rest assured; anyone responsible for this cruel crime will not be spared!!” according to the chief minister.
In a press conference, Punjab government spokesperson Hassan Khawar revealed that “about 50 persons have been arrested.”
