by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
GUJRANWALA, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – Christians in Pakistan’s industrial city of Gujranwala expressed fears of renewed violence after a Christian family’s ancestral home was allegedly taken over by a Muslim lawyer who accused the homeowner of blasphemy, sources told Worthy News.
Christian resident Sarwar Masih said his family home, where generations had lived, was “unlawfully occupied” following accusations that he had insulted Islam. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed Islamic banners bearing Quranic verses and images of the Kaaba displayed on the property.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of advocacy group LEAD Ministries, confirmed that members of the local Christian community said the occupants threatened to burn nearby Christian homes if the banners were removed. Gill, a Christian human rights lawyer, said the display appeared designed to intimidate the family by invoking fear of blasphemy accusations.
Footage reviewed by Worthy News showed dozens of men gathered outside the property wall, some placing a poster with religious verses, while security personnel stood nearby without intervening.
SHADOW OF JARANWALA VIOLENCE
The incident comes as Christians in Punjab continue to recover from the August 2023 mob attacks in Jaranwala, in Faisalabad District, described as the worst anti-Christian violence in decades.
More than 20 churches and about 80 Christian homes were destroyed after blasphemy allegations against two Christian residents — claims later rejected by investigators. Pakistan’s Supreme Court in February 2024 criticized the police investigation, saying relevant information had not been provided and urging authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
However, accountability has remained limited. Of the more than 5,200 individuals accused in connection with the violence, over 380 were reportedly arrested, many later released on bail. Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Court acquitted 10 suspects accused of burning a church. Church officials say no known convictions have followed.
Bishop Indrias Rehmat, who heads the Diocese of Faisalabad, said Christians want to “shout and scream” over what he described as a failure to deliver justice. “Justice has not been done. Nobody has been punished,” he said.
FEARS OF MISUSE OF BLASPHEMY LAWS
Gill warned that the Gujranwala incident reflects broader concerns over the alleged misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws in personal disputes, including land conflicts.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are officially framed as measures to protect religious sanctities and maintain public order. However, rights advocates say accusations are sometimes used to intimidate minorities, and even unproven allegations can carry severe social and legal consequences.
Gill said the Masih family “were neither informed of the court proceedings nor given the opportunity to defend their rights,” adding that reports of “procedural irregularities” have heightened fears among local Christians.
“The Christian community in Pakistan continues to face serious challenges,” he said, warning that the takeover could trigger wider unrest if authorities fail to act. Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries urged the Punjab government to ensure the Masih family’s protection and to conduct a transparent investigation.
Christians form a small but historic minority in Pakistan. While many citizens advocate peaceful coexistence, church leaders say minority communities remain vulnerable in disputes involving land, religion and local influence.
PAKISTAN ON PERSECUTION WATCH
Christians comprise a small minority in Muslim Pakistan, numbering just over 3.3 million people — about 1.4 percent of the population of about 240 million, according to official census data.
Advocacy group Open Doors International ranks Pakistan 8th on its 2026 World Watch List, which monitors the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution and discrimination.
Open Doors says Pakistan’s high ranking reflects ongoing misuse of blasphemy laws, forced conversions, discrimination in employment and education, and repeated incidents of mob violence triggered by religious accusations.
Even unproven allegations can place Christians at risk of arrest, displacement or attack, according to the group.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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