SARGODHA, Pakistan: In a tragic incident of violence against the Christian community, a mob brutally beat a Christian man, set his house and factory ablaze over accusations of blasphemy in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony on May 25, 2024, representing yet another instance of escalating violence against Christians in Punjab.
The violent mob not only attempted to set fire to the alleged offender’s house but also sought to lynch Nazir Masih and his son Sultan Gill. The mob attacked their home and shoe shop, brutally beating Nazir Masih, who is now in critical condition in the hospital.
The mob also burned Sultan Gill’s shoe shop. The family, comprising Nazir Masih, his two sons, and 12 other members, narrowly escaped further attacks by fleeing before the mob could strike again.
A heavy police presence eventually dispersed the mob gathered around the suspects’ home. Despite this, the Christian community in the area remains in fear, with many fleeing to avoid potential attacks from extremist mobs.
The human rights activist Joseph Jansen strongly condemned the brutal attack on Christians in Sargodha, which occurred under the pretext of blasphemy accusations.
Joseph Jansen expressed his concern, stating, “This incident is reminiscent of last year’s devastating mob violence in Jaranwala tehsil of Faisalabad, where 26 churches in a Christian neighborhood were attacked by an outraged mob over an alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. It’s alarming that people feel compelled to take the law into their own hands, indicating a severe loss of trust in the police and judiciary.”
Jansen highlighted that at least 100 people have been extra judicially killed and lynched under the guise of blasphemy accusations. He stressed the urgent need for the government to implement legal and administrative measures to curb the trend of mob justice and promote a law-abiding, tolerant society.Human rights activist Ashkinaz Khokhar emphasized that timely action by law enforcement in cases involving blasphemy accusations could help prevent mob violence and save lives.
“This is only possible if the police fulfill their responsibility to maintain law and order and protect the accused from extrajudicial killings,” Khokhar stated.
Nadia Stephen added, “The increase in violence in the name of religion is due to the government’s lack of capacity to de-radicalize citizens and a lack of political will to introduce substantial reforms in laws related to defamation of religion. Serious action must be taken against those involved in such violence.”
The Coordinator of Minority Forum Pakistan from Rawalpindi Samuel Bashi, said that just as the law enforcement agencies had arrested the people involved in the May 9 incidents with the help of videos and CCTV cameras, similarly, Mujahid Colony Sargodha culprits would be arrested. They should be arrested and punished. How long will the religious minorities in Pakistan continue to be subjected to cruelty under the guise of blasphemy laws? Pakistani religious minorities appeal to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo moto action under Arcticle 184 (3) of the Constitution of Pakistan. Enough is enough. Stop defaming this country. Protection of religious minorities is the responsibility of the state. We should be protected.
The activists have urged the government to halt the misuse of blasphemy laws, protect victims from mob violence, and enforce existing laws to punish those who attack police stations, make false accusations, and resort to violence.
