Alleged Violence Against Christian Minors Raises Child Protection Concerns

Gujranwala, Pakistan — Allegations of violence against two minor Christian brothers in Gujranwala have raised serious child protection and human rights concerns, highlighting the vulnerability of religious minority children in Pakistan.

According to the complaint filed by their father, the minors, Sahil and Anmol, were assaulted on 26 January 2026 at around 4:00 PM after visiting a local grocery (karana) shop in the Dera Lakshri Pura area of Gujranwala City to purchase household items. The shop is owned by Muslim brothers Sajid and Shahid.

The dispute reportedly began when the children questioned why the prices charged were higher than those listed on the shop’s displayed price list. Witnesses allege that the shop owners responded aggressively, questioning how Christians “dared” to challenge them. Shahid is accused of calling nearby associates, claiming that Christians were arguing with him.

Shortly afterward, several individuals identified as Ali Raza, Abu Bakar, Qaisar, and Rehan allegedly arrived at the shop. The group is accused of physically assaulting the minors, verbally abusing them, and humiliating them by repeatedly using the derogatory slur “Chura,” a term commonly used to demean Christians.

The brothers were allegedly unlawfully detained inside the shop, threatened with death, and released only after suffering physical and psychological trauma. Rights advocates note that the alleged actions, if confirmed, would constitute serious violations of child protection standards.

Despite the gravity of the incident and the involvement of minor victims, police reportedly did not take immediate action. Following intervention by human rights activists, a case was eventually registered. On 10 February 2026, authorities lodged FIR No. 241/26 at Police Station Cantt Gujranwala against the accused individuals.

Commenting on the incident, Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries questioned why minor disputes frequently escalate into violence when Christians assert their basic rights. He described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intolerance faced by religious minorities.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, stated that his organization is documenting cases of violence against Christians, particularly those from poor and marginalized backgrounds. He emphasized that Christian children are especially vulnerable due to their faith and socio-economic status.

Human rights observers say the case underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety of minority children and the effectiveness of legal protections in Pakistan. They have called on authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and to take concrete steps to prevent faith-based violence and discrimination against children.

Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Rights observers have called on law enforcement to ensure a transparent, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation, protect the victims from intimidation, and uphold accountability without external pressure.

End the Abuse: Christian Laborers Brutally Tortured in Kasur Brick Kilns

Kasur, Pakistan — In a deeply disturbing incident highlighting the ongoing plight of religious minorities in Pakistan, a Christian bonded labor family has reportedly been brutally tortured and threatened with death in the Village Pahlo area of Kasur District, Punjab.

Another Christian bonded laborer, Shehbaz Masih, and his wife were physically assaulted by Muhammad Arif, a brick kiln owner, for not working a few days due to illness. The couple was reportedly threatened repeatedly, with Arif saying: “Give us our money, otherwise we will kill you.” Shehbaz Masih, a father of four children, is already battling a serious respiratory illness, making this violent attack particularly alarming.

The incident has been condemned by LEAD Ministries, a Christian human rights organization. Pastor Imran Amanat, a leader of the ministry, called for urgent prayers and support for the family. He said, “Such acts of violence have become a daily reality for Christians in Pakistan. Families live in fear, and perpetrators act with complete impunity because the law fails to protect the most vulnerable.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, strongly criticized the systemic abuse faced by Christian laborers. He explained that religious discrimination combined with extreme poverty allows some brick kiln owners to treat Christian workers as virtual slaves. “These families are beaten, threatened, and silenced simply because of their faith and social status,” Gill said.

Bonded labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns has long been a focus of human rights concern. Christian families are disproportionately affected, trapped in cycles of debt and abuse, with little access to justice or legal recourse. Despite laws prohibiting forced labor, enforcement remains weak, and exploitation continues largely unchecked.

Human rights advocates are urging both local authorities and the international community to take action to protect Christian laborers, ensure accountability, and end the culture of impunity. The case of Shehbaz Masih and his family is a stark reminder that faith and poverty should never justify abuse or oppression.

As this family struggles to survive amid ongoing threats, LEAD Ministries is calling on churches, human rights groups, and concerned citizens worldwide to raise their voices, offer prayers, and demand justice.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians in Pakistan and around the world, raising awareness among policymakers and authorities to take action for such victims. The ministry is actively seeking prayer and support for its ongoing work to defend the persecuted and promote global awareness of Christian suffering.

“Christians in Pakistan need more than sympathy—they need protection, justice, and freedom from fear,” Pastor Amanat emphasized. “It is our responsibility to stand with them and shine a light on these atrocities.”

Christian Families Brutally Attacked in Pakistan Amid Worsening Religious Hatred

Kasur, Punjab — February 2026 — Christian families in Pakistan continue to face violence, intimidation, and physical abuse amid worsening religious hatred, with two serious incidents reported this week in Kasur District, Punjab. Victims say they were targeted solely because of their Christian faith and were left defenseless against extremist aggression.

On 6 February 2026, an attempted murder was carried out against Liaqat Masih in Village Theelpur, Kuhlewala, Raiwind Road, Kasur. According to eyewitness accounts and family members, the accused—Husnain Shah, Akbar Shah, and Zohaib Shah—forcibly entered the Christian family’s home and threatened them with expulsion from the village. The attackers reportedly declared, “Be prepared, we will drive you out of this village.”

During the attack, the assailants repeatedly used the derogatory slur “Chura,” a term widely recognized as a hateful insult against Christians in Pakistan. Bricks were thrown at Liaqat Masih and his family, causing severe physical torture, serious injuries, and deep psychological trauma. The family stated that they were unable to resist or defend themselves due to fear of further violence.

In a second incident during the same week, Danish Masih and his wife were violently attacked in Gulshan Colony, Jambar Khurd, Phool Nagar, Kasur. The couple, who operate a small grocery and kirana shop, were assaulted by Muhammad Umar Daraz and his accomplices. The attackers allegedly threatened them while hurling religious slurs, attacking them out of hatred and jealousy because they are Christians running a business.

Danish Masih expressed frustration over the authorities’ response, stating that the police are not taking the matter seriously, leaving the family vulnerable to further attacks and intimidation.

Victims from both incidents reported a disturbing pattern of intimidation, being told that Christians “cannot do anything” and that no one would protect them. Such threats have created an atmosphere of fear, leaving families traumatized and vulnerable.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, visited the affected families and spoke with them following the attacks. He stated that the victims clearly expressed they were targeted “solely because of their Christian faith and jealousy.” Pastor Amanat appealed to authorities for immediate protection and justice to prevent further harm.

Human-rights advocates warn that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of persecution faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Community leaders are urging law-enforcement agencies and government officials to take urgent action, ensure the safety of the affected families, and uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, human dignity, and equal justice for all citizens.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy group documenting Christian persecution in Pakistan and raising awareness about these issues in the international community. The organization is calling for prayers for the victims’ protection and support for LEAD Ministries’ ongoing work to defend and protect vulnerable Christian communities.