Christians Raise Concerns Over Alleged Land Grabbing and Misuse of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan

GUJRANWALA — The Christian community in Pakistan continues to face serious challenges, as recent incidents in Gujranwala highlight the ongoing misuse of religion in personal disputes and the intimidation of vulnerable communities.

A Christian resident, Sarwar Masih, alleges that his home was unlawfully occupied by a Muslim lawyer. Following the seizure, religious banners and Qur’anic verses were reportedly displayed at the property, along with images of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site. Members of the local Christian community say that the occupants threatened to burn Sarwar Masih’s entire neighborhood of Christian homes if the banners and images were removed. The display and accompanying threats are believed to be intended to intimidate the family, leveraging fear of potential blasphemy accusations to prevent resistance.

The Masih family, who had lived in their ancestral home for generations, states they were neither informed of the court proceedings nor given the opportunity to defend their rights. Allegations of collusion and procedural irregularities have caused further concern among local Christians.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which contain strict provisions to protect Islamic sanctities — including reverence for the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam — are officially framed as measures to safeguard religious respect and public order. However, in many cases, these laws have been allegedly misused in personal disputes, including property conflicts. Even the mere threat of a blasphemy accusation can have devastating social, legal, and economic consequences for the accused and their families.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, stated that Christians in Pakistan continue to face systemic persecution, as blasphemy laws are often used as a tool to terrorize, harass, and blackmail them. “Muslims in Pakistan know they have this weapon at their disposal, which is why they put up banners with Qur’anic verses and images of the Kaaba—to intimidate and manipulate Christian families. They even threatened the entire Christian community in the area, and sadly, as clearly seen in the video, law enforcement personnel were present and did nothing to stop them,” he said.

The Christian community in Pakistan remains a small but historic minority. While most citizens advocate for peaceful coexistence, systemic vulnerabilities leave Christians disproportionately exposed to intimidation and exploitation in disputes over land and property.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, calls upon the Government of Punjab and relevant authorities to take immediate action to protect the Masih family and ensure transparent, impartial investigations into these allegations. Upholding due process, guaranteeing equal protection under the law, and preventing the misuse of religious sentiment are essential to justice and social harmony.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians in Pakistan. Through legal support, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, the organization works to protect minority rights, promote peaceful coexistence, and uphold the dignity and security of all citizens, regardless of faith.

A Cry for Justice: Protection for Minor Christian Girls Must Be Ensured in Practice, Not Only in Law

In response to the deeply distressing case reported from the outskirts of Sheikhupura, where a minor Christian girl, Aneesha, has allegedly been abducted from her family in the village of Rattian Khurshid, serious concerns have once again been raised regarding the safety and protection of vulnerable minority children.

The victim’s family is described as socially and economically fragile. Her father is deceased, and her mother reportedly suffers from mental illness, leaving the household in an already precarious condition. Such circumstances, it has been emphasized, often make marginalized families more susceptible to exploitation, intimidation, and injustice.

Particular concern has been expressed over reports that following the alleged abduction, members of the accused’s household assaulted the family. Equally alarming is the widespread fear—based on patterns observed in previous controversial cases—that after some time, claims may surface that the minor girl has willingly converted to Islam and no longer belongs to her Christian family. It has been stressed that when minors are involved, questions of free will and consent must be examined with the utmost seriousness, as a child cannot legally or morally make such life-altering decisions under pressure or coercion.

While acknowledging that Pakistan has laws intended to protect minor girls from abduction, forced marriage, and exploitation, it has been stated with deep concern that the mechanism for obtaining justice remains extremely difficult and exhausting for poor Christian families. The gap between legislation and implementation continues to be a major obstacle.

It has further been highlighted that when alleged perpetrators are influential, victims often face overwhelming pressure. Many affected families lack financial resources, legal representation, and adequate protection. Allegations of corruption within segments of law enforcement agencies further complicate the pursuit of justice, turning legal processes into prolonged and intimidating ordeals.

The statement underscores that the issue at hand is not about religious difference, but about coercion, abuse of authority, and the exploitation of vulnerable children. No faith condones injustice, and no legal system should be manipulated to shield wrongdoing.

A call has been made for the immediate and safe recovery of the minor girl, a transparent and impartial investigation, and full protection for the affected family. It has been urged that the child be presented before an independent and competent court where her age, safety, and genuine consent—free from fear, influence, or pressure—can be properly evaluated.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting incidents of Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians, and raising national and international awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized Christian communities. The organization continues to call for institutional reforms, accountability, and effective enforcement of laws to ensure equal protection for all citizens.

The protection of minority children, it has been emphasized, must go beyond written statutes. The credibility of the justice system depends not only on the existence of laws, but on their fair, fearless, and equal implementation. Only through accountability and institutional integrity can public trust be restored and the rights of vulnerable communities truly safeguarded.

Lives on Fire and Crying Are Unheard: Blasphemy’s Deadly Toll and a Voice for Protection

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries—Across South Asia, false accusations of blasphemy—claims of insulting Prophet of Islam or desecrating the Quran—have become a lethal weapon. Innocent lives, including Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists, are consumed by rumor, mob rage, and digital manipulation—often before any investigation begins. Social media accelerates this peril, turning private conversations and fabricated posts into public death sentences in minutes.

Tragic cases illustrate the human cost. In Bangladesh (2025), a Hindu man was beaten and burned alive following a false blasphemy allegation. In Pakistan, Sri Lankan Buddhist manager Priyantha Kumara was lynched in 2021 after a workplace misunderstanding was twisted into blasphemy. Christians have suffered repeatedly: in Kot Radha Kishan (2014), a couple was burned alive on unverified claims, and in Jaranwala (2023), mobs attacked churches, looted homes, and displaced entire communities.

Even survivors endure lasting trauma. Two Christian nurses, Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj, falsely accused in Pakistan, were acquitted after years of fear and professional disruption—but continue fearing for their lives, showing how false allegations leave enduring psychological, social, and reputational scars.

Christians in Pakistan, as a community, have historically faced systemic targeting. Entire neighborhoods have been attacked, churches destroyed, and families displaced, demonstrating collective vulnerability to rumor-driven violence. Social media now amplifies these threats, allowing fabricated accusations to spread faster than law enforcement can respond.

Under the guise of protecting the honor of Prophet of Islam and the Quran, Islamist extremists often take perverse satisfaction in the violence they perpetrate. Much like Islamic terrorism, they cling to a fabricated hope that killing, burning alive, or destroying the homes and churches of Christians will secure them a place in a so-called Islamic paradise. This ideology distorts faith and justifies atrocities, turning religion into a tool for terror rather than guidance, justice, or compassion.

The international community, human rights organizations, and governments have a moral and legal responsibility to protect innocent lives. They must act decisively to safeguard individuals targeted by these atrocities under blasphemy laws in Pakistan and other Islamic countries. Vigilance, advocacy, and pressure for accountability are essential to prevent ongoing abuse, displacement, and loss of life among vulnerable religious minorities.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent, coordinated action. Digital evidence must undergo forensic verification, cybercrime units need specialized training, and social media platforms must prevent the spread of incendiary content. Religious and community leaders must denounce vigilantism and uphold justice and due process.

LEAD Ministries, led by Pastor Imran Amanat, works at the grassroots level documenting blasphemy-related violence, forced conversions, forced marriages, and bonded labor in brick kilns and agricultural lands. The organization advocates for legal protection, awareness, and systemic reform. LEAD Ministries seeks prayers and support for its work—including church planting, rescuing bonded laborers, and turning their redemption into opportunities for church and community growth across Pakistan.