Attack on Christians Highlights Religious Tensions in Sargodha, Pakistan


May 25, 2024

A mob in Sargodha, Punjab, assaulted a Christian man and vandalized his property after blasphemy accusations. The chaos, involving arson and violence, highlights the persistent threats to religious minorities in Pakistan. Police intervention prevented further harm, and suspects were apprehended, yet concerns for the safety of the Christian community remain high. 


On May 25, 2024, a violent mob in Sargodha, Punjab province, Pakistan, assaulted Nazir Masih, 72, and his son, Sultan Masih, and vandalized their property following allegations of blasphemy. This incident underscores the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, who are often subject to persecution and violence.

The attack took place in Mujahid Colony, where the mob set fire to a shoe factory within the victims' house, burned tires, and damaged local electrical installations. The chaos was quelled only after a substantial police force arrived, evacuating the injured victims and other wounded individuals to a hospital. Several suspects were apprehended at the scene.

The Regional Police Officer (RPO) confirmed that the mob also attacked police officers with stones before eventually being dispersed. He assured that those responsible for disturbing public order would face strict legal consequences. The District Police Officer (DPO) noted that the violence stemmed from accusations of desecration. Social media footage depicted a mob surrounding an injured man, kicking and punching him while demanding his death. Christians in Pakistan and worldwide expressed deep concern over the safety of the Christian community, urging immediate action to restore order and protect the vulnerable.

This incident echoes a similar, larger-scale attack in Jaranwala in August 2023, where 26 churches were set on fire, numerous copies of the Holy Bible and hymn books were desecrated and reduced to ashes, over 400 homes were burned, and more than 10,000 Christians sought sanctuary in sugar cane fields and other havens.

A police report filed by the Station House Officer (SHO) detailed that armed locals had attempted to break into the victims' house. Despite efforts to negotiate, the mob set the shoe factory ablaze and damaged property before attacking the police and the Christian men. Additional police units have since been stationed throughout Sargodha to ensure community safety.