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.
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