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.
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