SAHIWAL DISTRICT, PUNJAB PROVINCE, PAKISTAN – An alarming incident took place in the early hours of February 12th in the village of Chak 6/11-L, where a group of Muslims launched a violent attack on the homes of Christians. The assailants hurled petrol bombs and fired gunshots, causing significant property damage.
The motive behind the attack stemmed from the Christians’ support for an opposing political party in the recent elections, as well as their involvement in the construction of a church building. It was reported that the assailants, led by Imran Yousaf, specifically targeted three houses belonging to Christians with affiliations to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Tensions had been brewing in the area for the past two years, with ongoing conflict and pressure from Muslim neighbors to close the church. This violence shed light on the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan, a country that ranks seventh on the Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List as one of the most difficult places for Christians to live.
Despite the terrifying nature of the attack, there were no injuries or fatalities. Arshad Masih, one of the affected Christians, filed charges against the assailants to highlight the property damage caused by the petrol bombs and gunshots. The local clergyman attributed the motivation behind the attack solely to the Christians’ political support, while the victims claimed that their faith and the presence of the church also fueled the assailants’ aggression.
Following the attack, the police arrived and prevented further harm to the Christians as the perpetrators fled the scene. However, no arrests had been made thus far. This incident raised concerns about the safety and protection of religious minorities and emphasized the need for swift action by the authorities to ensure justice for the affected Christians.
It is our hope that this act of violence prompts authorities to take swift action in ensuring the safety and protection of religious minorities, and that the Christians in the village of Chak 6/11-L find solace and justice in the face of adversity.