Attacks on Pakistani Christians.

LoricaLady · Jun 8, 2024

PAKISTAN: Attacks on Christians a ‘calculated manipulation’

The recent mob attack in Pakistan, which saw the death of a Christian shoe factory owner, was a ‘calculated’ and ‘manipulative’ assault, according to a human rights commission investigation.

As Release International reported last month, Nazeer Gill was beaten and his factory set ablaze after a neighbour falsely accused him of desecrating the Koran. He later died in hospital of his injuries.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which investigated the incident, has concluded that it was a ‘calculated assault, manipulated through religious fervour to gain maximum leverage.’

The incident may have started due to a dispute Nazeer’s family had with their neighbours, in Sargodha’s Mujahid colony, in the Punjab. But, as the human rights report notes, an announcement over the local mosque quickly charged up a mob of around 2,000 people, demanding the death of Nazeer. As well as attacking Nazeer they vandalised his home and factory.

Around 150-200 Christian families lived in the Mujahid colony, among roughly 2,000 Muslim families. Christian community members voiced concerns about their safety to return to the colony after the incident.

A prominent poster of the Muslim extremist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) outside Nazeer’s neighbour’s shop indicated possible political motivations behind the attack, the report suggested. ‘Strict action should be taken against political parties that use blasphemy allegations as a tool for political purposes,’ the report states.

The human rights commission’s review, which was reported by Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, comes as Release International’s latest Appeal is urging supporters in the UK to support Christians who suffer violence and oppression.

Read of another Christian in Pakistan who suffered false accusations, and to give to help oppressed Christians.
Avidan still remembers the terrible ordeal of being falsely accused of abducting his children, after his Muslim wife left him. And even today his life remains difficult and dangerous.

We met Avidan* and his children in February. Although brought up a Christian Avidan had accepted Islam to marry his wife. When she left him, his children chose to stay with him and Avidan felt called to turn back to Christ – even though he knew this would cause him so much trouble. He was hounded and abused by his neighbours, and he was eventually accused of kidnapping his daughter and sons.

Avidan was arrested and held in prison on false charges of taking his children. The authorities kept him locked up for months. It was a terrifying ordeal for him. Whilst in prison Avidan gave himself totally to Christ. He was finally freed and to this day Avidan has no idea who paid for his bail. But he believes that his true repentance was heard by God; and he believes the Lord was saying to him, ‘I will protect you when you come back to me.’

When he was released, his ex-wife said she no longer wanted the children as she had met a wealthy Muslim man and planned to remarry. The children said they were very happy as their father ‘was the hero of their lives.’

(Source: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News)

PRAYER

That God would comfort Nazeer’s family, following his death in hospital
For the Christian community in the Mujahid colony, that they might know God’s peace and protection
Give thanks that the human rights commission investigated the incident. Pray that its comments will be acted upon by the authorities in Pakistan, to further the protection of its Christian citizens.

fior74 · Jun 12, 2024

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Attacks on Pakistani Christians.

LoricaLady

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