“They should know that we understand all these things. They will find us prepared to protect our people and also bring them to justice,” he said during a cheque distributing ceremony in Jaranwala on Monday.

He said that Muslims and Christians have mutual respect for each others’ religions and they are not enemies, but “the enemy is someone else. This enemy’s target is someone else and has other goals”.

The worship places and houses of the Christian community were attacked by a violent mob of hundreds on August 16 in Jaranwala town of Faisalabad district in Punjab.

Kakar also praised the upcoming chief justice for visiting the victims. He also said that the military leadership raised voice for the Christian minority.

Read: Jaranwala violence: ‘Why Pakistan is being turned into India’

It is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens regardless of their religion, beliefs or ethnicity, he said, adding “if any minority in the country is attacked, you will see the state standing with the victims and helpless”.

Kakar went on to add that the minorities are being targeted in Europe, US and India, and it is every state’s responsibility to protect their minorities.

“What separates us from these countries is that there is clarity about minorities in our values and sense of tolerance in all institutions. You [minorities] complete Pakistan’s formation. We are in majority but do not believe in majoritarianism,” he added.

An initial report of property loss stated that at least 19 churches and 86 houses were torched during the rampage after the Holy Quran was allegedly desecrated.

Police arrested 158 for their alleged involvement in ransacking the churches and homes of the Christian community, reports said on Saturday.