In Sahiwal District, Punjab Province, Pakistan, a shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of February 12th. An assault on the homes of Christian residents in the village of Chak 6/11-L was carried out by a group of Muslims, who threw petrol bombs and fired gunshots. The attack was reportedly motivated by the Christians’ support for an opposing political party in the recent elections, as well as their construction of a church building. The assailants, led by Imran Yousaf, targeted three houses belonging to Christians who were believed to have affiliations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Tensions had been brewing for the past two years between the Christians and their Muslim neighbors, who had been attempting to provoke conflicts and pressure the Christians into closing the church. Not only were the Christians targeted for their political views, but the attackers also held resentment towards them for constructing the church building. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed during the attack, but significant property damage was caused by the petrol bombs and gunshots, which led Arshad Masih, one of the affected Christians, to file charges against the assailants.
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. Notably, the incident sheds light on the challenges faced by Christians in Pakistan, as the country ranks seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List as one of the most difficult places for Christians to live.
The arrival of the police prevented further harm to the Christians as the perpetrators fled the scene, and as of now, no arrests have been made. The incident raises concerns about the safety and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. 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.