Christian Family Alleges Assault and Police Mishandling in Jaranwala Amid Rising Concerns Over Minority Safety
April 11, 2025
A disturbing incident in Jaranwala highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Pakistan’s Christian minority — and the troubling silence of law enforcement meant to protect them. What began as a plea against slurs ended in violence, injustice, and a deepening crisis of trust in the system.
A Christian family in Ghaffari Town, Malkhawala, has come forward with serious allegations of physical assault and police mishandling, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan when seeking justice and protection under the law.
According to initial accounts, the incident unfolded on Monday after Farooq Masih and his son Haroon were allegedly attacked by a group of local residents. The confrontation reportedly began when the Christian family requested that their neighbors refrain from using derogatory slurs often directed at Christians in Pakistan. This request allegedly provoked anger, leading to an exchange of harsh words and, ultimately, violence.
As tensions escalated, Farooq Masih contacted the police emergency helpline (15) seeking protection. However, the family claims that instead of intervening to protect them, the responding officers handed over Haroon to the opposing party. Haroon was reportedly taken to a nearby residence, where he suffered further physical assault.
The matter came to public attention when Akmal Bhatti, Chairman of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan, visited the family, recorded their statements, and presented Haroon before the area magistrate. The court ordered a medical examination at the District Headquarters Hospital to assess the extent of his injuries.
Bhatti condemned the police response, calling it a reflection of the broader failures of Pakistan’s law enforcement system when it comes to protecting minority communities. “This is not just an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a deeper issue,” Bhatti said. “When minorities seek help, they are often met with indifference, negligence, or worse—collusion with their oppressors.”
He also criticized the delay in registering the family's complaint. Despite submitting an application to the Saddar Police Station three days earlier, no First Information Report (FIR) had been registered at the time of reporting. Bhatti warned that continued inaction would prompt legal escalation, including appeals to higher courts.
Local residents have echoed the call for justice, demanding a transparent and impartial investigation that ensures all voices are heard and legal procedures are followed. However, many fear that justice will once again be denied, pointing to a sad and all-too-common pattern in Pakistan where religious minorities struggle to receive fair treatment.
No official statement has been released yet by Faisalabad police regarding the allegations.
The incident has reignited concerns over the systemic discrimination and vulnerability faced by Christian and other minority communities in Pakistan, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where law enforcement often fails to act independently or without bias.