SAHIWAL, PUNJAB PROVINCE – A disturbing episode occurred in the village of Chak 6/11-L in Sahiwal District, Punjab Province, Pakistan, in the early hours of February 12th. A group of Muslims carried out a violent attack on the homes of Christians, throwing petrol bombs and firing gunshots, as reported by local sources.
The reason behind this reprehensible act of violence was the Christians’ support for a different political party in the recent elections. The attackers, led by Imran Yousaf, targeted three houses belonging to Christians who were believed to have connections with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Not only were the Christians targeted for their political views, but the attackers also held resentment towards them for constructing a church building. Tensions had been escalating between the Christians and their Muslim neighbors for the past two years as the latter tried to provoke conflicts and pressure the Christians into closing the church.
Thankfully, no one was injured or killed during the attack. Arshad Masih, one of the affected Christians, filed charges against the assailants, highlighting the significant property damage caused by the petrol bombs and gunshots.
The local clergyman attributed the motivation behind the attack solely to the Christians’ political support, but the victims contend that their faith and the presence of the church also fueled the assailants’ aggression.
The arrival of the police prevented further harm to the Christians as the perpetrators fled the scene. However, no arrests have been made thus far.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan. According to Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, Pakistan ranks seventh as one of the most difficult places for Christians to live.
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.