May 27, 2024

Targeted and Forgotten: Are Christians Part of Pakistan?

Today, every Christian in Pakistan is grappling with a poignant question, “Am I also a Pakistani?”

The wounds of the Christians from Jaranwala were still bleeding when another tragic incident unfolded, targeting Pakistani Christians in Sargodha. On May 25, 2024, Lazar Masih, a Christian factory owner, and his family faced a violent assault by a mob in the Mujahid Colony. Fueled by false allegations of Quran desecration, the mob ruthlessly attacked Masih and set fire to his property, while bystanders, including children, joined in the chaos, recording the events on their phones.

Ayub Gondal, Masih’s jealous neighbor, was identified as the instigator of the violence, exploiting existing tensions to sow communal discord. By falsely accusing Masih of blasphemy, Gondal incited the mob’s rage, resulting in the destruction of Masih’s home and factory. Despite Masih’s innocence, the mob continued its rampage. However, subsequent investigations revealed the falsehood of the accusations, confirming that no Quran pages were involved. Instead, Masih’s family was innocently disposing of waste materials, underscoring the dangerous consequences of unfounded allegations in fueling violence against religious minorities.

Since the creation of Pakistan, we have seen numerous instances where Christians have been unjustly targeted, falsely accused of blasphemy, and subsequently proven innocent. This raises the question: why do such false accusations continue to occur? Despite these past incidents, no action has ever been taken against anyone, leading to the recurrence of such events time and again. So, are Christians not part of Pakistan? Are Christians not Pakistani citizens? Is there no one to wipe away their tears? Is there no one to deliver them justice? The voice of every Pakistani Christian echoes, asking, “Am I also Pakistani?”

Author profile

Seemab Asif

Seemab Asif is a multi-award-winning educator, human rights advocate, Peace Ambassador, and Executive Board Member of AMMWEC. She currently serves with Spring Education Group in the United States, where she is committed to advancing inclusive education and empowering women and underserved communities. Through education, advocacy, and public engagement, she champions dignity, equality, and equitable opportunities for marginalized populations, working to foster lasting social change and cross-cultural understanding.