SAHIWAL, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN – A shocking incident occurred in the village of Chak 6/11-L in Sahiwal District, Punjab Province, Pakistan, in the early hours of February 12th. According to reports, a group of Muslims attacked the homes of Christians, hurling petrol bombs and firing gunshots, in a disturbing act of violence.
The motive behind this appalling act was the Christians’ support for an opposing political party in the recent elections. The assailants, led by Imran Yousaf, targeted three houses belonging to Christians who were believed to have affiliations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Furthermore, the attackers also held resentment towards them for constructing a church building.
Tensions have been brewing for the past two years between the Christians and their Muslim neighbors, who have consistently tried to provoke conflicts and pressure the Christians into closing the church. The attack was an escalation of the ongoing conflict, with the assailants targeting the Christians for their political views and their religious beliefs.
No one was injured or killed during the attack, but significant property damage was caused by the petrol bombs and gunshots. Arshad Masih, one of the affected Christians, filed charges against the assailants, highlighting the damage caused by the attack.
The local clergyman attributed the motivation behind the attack solely to the Christians’ political support, while the victims contend that their faith and the presence of the church also fueled the assailants’ aggression. The arrival of the police prevented further harm to the Christians as the perpetrators fled the scene. However, no arrests have been made thus far.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan, as the country ranks seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List as one of the most difficult places for Christians to live. It is our hope that this act of violence prompts authorities to take swift action in ensuring the safety and protection of religious minorities.