Christians in Punjab Face Rising Violence: Three Recent Incidents Highlight Vulnerability

Punjab, Pakistan – A series of violent attacks and systematic harassment targeting Christian communities in Punjab has raised alarm among human rights advocates, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. LEAD Ministries, which documents violence against Christians in Pakistan, has highlighted these cases to draw attention to the minority community’s vulnerability and ongoing suffering.

Kasur: Christian Shopkeeper Killed in Raja Jang

In Raja Jang, Kasur District, Haroon Masih, a Christian shopkeeper, was brutally murdered after demanding repayment for goods taken on credit. His brother, Sohail Masih, was also injured during the attack. Haroon was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a widow of only ten months of marriage.

Pastor Imran Amanat and Sardar Mushtaq Gill of LEAD Ministries condemned the killing and called for swift justice. The organization emphasized that such attacks are part of a broader pattern of religiously motivated violence against Christians in Pakistan.

Lahore: Brick-Kiln Laborer Brothers Attacked in Manga Mandi

In Manga Mandi, Lahore District, Christian brick-kiln bonded laborer brothers Chand Masih and Robin Masih, sons of Rehmat Masih, were severely attacked with knives while returning from work. Chand Masih sustained critical injuries to his abdomen and remains hospitalized.

Rehmat Masih filed a First Information Report (FIR No. 214/26) at Police Station Manga Mandi under charges of attempted murder. He reported that his children had been repeatedly harassed and verbally abused with religious slurs prior to the attack.

LEAD Ministries condemned the assault and called on authorities to protect laborers and minority communities, stressing that bonded laborers often face heightened risks of targeted violence.

Nankana Sahib: Christians Harassed and Threatened by Local Landowner

In Gillan Wala Chak‑114, Tehsil Sangla Hill, Nankana Sahib District, local Christian families report systematic persecution by Muhammad Javed Alam Mahli. Residents say Mahli, who recently returned from the United States—or was reportedly deported—has begun threatening and harassing families, filing false complaints—including theft charges—against all family members, and coercing them to work on his farm without payment. He has allegedly threatened that Christians would be forced to work on his fields for life, using local law enforcement as a tool to intimidate and oppress them.

LEAD Ministries continues to document such harassment and violence, urging authorities to ensure protection for minority families and investigate abuses thoroughly.

In a video, Faryad Masih speaks out about the cruelty he and his family have endured, claiming that Muslim man Iftikhar Javed Alam Malhi, recently returned from the United States, is behind their persecution. Faryad alleges that he was forced to work on Malhi’s house and land under brutal conditions, while Malhi reportedly used abusive language and made immoral accusations against his wife. Their homes were reportedly locked, leaving the family in fear and uncertainty. Faryad and his family are now requesting justice and protection, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard marginalized Christians in Pakistan.

Calls for Justice and Protection

These incidents highlight a wider pattern of religious violence and discrimination against Christians in Punjab, including harassment, mob attacks, forced labor, and misuse of legal processes. Civil society leaders and advocacy groups have urged Pakistani authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all attacks, prosecute perpetrators effectively, implement protective measures for vulnerable Christian communities, and promote interfaith harmony and tolerance. LEAD Ministries emphasizes that without stronger legal enforcement and protective measures, minority communities will continue to face violence and oppression, undermining human rights and social cohesion in the country.

LEAD Ministries Applauds Punjab’s Historic Ban on Child Marriage

Lahore, Pakistan – February 13, 2026: LEAD Ministries has warmly welcomed the Punjab government’s landmark decision to criminalize child marriage, establishing 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls. This progressive move ensures that religious interpretations, including Islamic Sharia provisions, will no longer influence the legal age of marriage.

The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, signed into law by Governor Saleem Haider Khan under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, replaces the nearly century-old 1929 act. Under the new legislation, anyone who arranges, facilitates, or promotes the marriage of individuals under 18 faces up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 1 million PKR (~$3,500). All offenses are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, marking a firm stance against child exploitation.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, said, “We are grateful to the Punjab government and all those who have tirelessly advocated against child marriage. Most importantly, we thank God that our prayers and efforts have been answered. This is a historic victory for children, especially girls, across the province.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, added, “Our advocacy has contributed to establishing clear child protection standards, despite opposition from some Islamist groups. Finally, the law unequivocally sets the legal age for girls at 18. We call on the community and authorities to continue supporting LEAD Ministries’ work in protecting vulnerable Christian communities, advocating for their safety, and challenging persecution at national and international levels.”

LEAD Ministries described the legislation as a historic milestone in child protection, highlighting its significance for preventing early and forced marriages. In Pakistan, Christian girls are disproportionately affected by forced conversions and marriages, often under the influence of Islamist interpretations of Sharia. This new law provides strong legal safeguards and reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting all children from exploitation.

LEAD Ministries’ work remains critical and must be supported. The organization documents cases of violence and persecution against Christians, advocates for the rights and safety of vulnerable communities, and raises awareness among policymakers and authorities worldwide. A key part of its mission is empowering women and girls, ensuring they have access to education, protection from forced marriage, and opportunities to participate fully in society. The organization invites partners, supporters, and well-wishers to join in this vital mission, including backing initiatives such as church planting, community development, child protection programs, and women’s empowerment projects. Together, these efforts strengthen the safety, rights, and dignity of persecuted Christians, particularly girls and women, across Pakistan and beyond.

“This is not just a legal reform; it is a moral and social victory for Pakistan’s children and a step forward for women’s empowerment,” Pastor Amanat emphasized.

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.