Sargodha, Pakistan – A Christian man in critical condition after being falsely accused of blasphemy and violently attacked by a mob in Sargodha, Pakistan. The brutal assault resulted in the destruction of the victim’s home and business, sparking fear and unrest among the Christian community in the area.
The incident, which occurred on May 25th, involved Nazir Gill Masih, a shoe factory owner, who was accused of burning pages of the Quran. The false allegation led to a violent mob attacking Masih and his family, ransacking their property and leaving Masih hospitalized in critical condition.
Reports suggest that the attacks may have been driven by business rivalry and personal disputes, although further investigation is needed to determine the exact motives behind the violence, according to Naeem Yousaf Gill, executive director of the National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi condemned the violence and called for stricter policies to prevent such incidents from happening again. He emphasized the need for the government to protect religious minorities and ensure the safety of the Christian community in Pakistan.
The critically injured Masih is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, with images and videos depicting the violent assault circulating online. The situation has left the Christian population in fear, prompting many to seek refuge with relatives for safety.
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, where blasphemy accusations can lead to deadly consequences. The role of the international community in pressuring Pakistan to protect its religious minorities from extremist violence is crucial in preventing future attacks.
This recent attack echoes similar incidents in the past, such as the riots in Jaranwala in 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Christian community in Pakistan. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has strongly condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the affected family, calling for justice and protection for religious minorities in the country.