Christian man’s clinic torched, families flee after blasphemy allegation in Pakistan’s Punjab

ISLAMABAD— A leading Pakistani human rights organisation has condemned mob violence, arson and threats against Christians in Narang Mandi town of Punjab’s Sheikhupura district following a blasphemy allegation against a Christian man who has been arrested by police.

According to a report in Pakistan Christian Post, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said Kamran Gill Masih was accused of sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media. Following the allegation, his traditional medical clinic, which was attached to his residence and included a small pharmacy, was set on fire.

Members of the local Christian community were also forced to flee their homes amid fears of further violence, raising concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the area.

HRFP said a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Narang Police Station on October 9 following a complaint by a local resident, Raees Ahmed. The complaint alleged that Masih had uploaded and shared a video containing material considered offensive to Prophet Muhammad and his family.

Condemning the violence, HRFP President Naveed Walter urged the government, police and local administration to take immediate measures to protect Masih, his family and other members of the Christian community.

“No allegation can justify mob violence, arson, intimidation, or collective punishment. Every person, regardless of religion or belief, has the right to life, security, dignity, and a fair trial. Allegations of blasphemy must never become a pretext for attacking individuals, destroying property, or terrorizing religious minorities,” Walter was quoted as saying in the report.

He emphasised that allegations of blasphemy must be dealt with through the judicial system and that determining guilt was the responsibility of the courts, not mobs or individuals acting outside the law.

“The authorities must ensure that Kamran Gill Masih receives due process, access to legal counsel, and a fair and impartial trial. Equally important, the state must fulfil its responsibility to protect his family and the affected Christian community from threats, harassment, and further violence. The safety of vulnerable individuals must not be compromised by public pressure or unsubstantiated accusations,” Walter said.

HRFP warns of threat to religious minorities

The rights organisation warned that mob violence following blasphemy accusations posed a serious threat to religious freedom, public safety, social cohesion and the rule of law in Pakistan.

Such incidents, it said, create fear among religious minorities and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

Reiterating the need for accountability, Walter said justice could not be delivered through mob pressure, threats or violence. He called for all allegations to be addressed through lawful judicial procedures and for every reported act of violence to be investigated impartially.

He also stressed that every citizen, particularly members of vulnerable religious minorities, must be able to live safely and exercise fundamental rights without fear of persecution.

HRFP said its fact-finding team was working on the ground to gather further information, verify available evidence and assess the immediate protection needs of affected individuals and families.

The team is also assessing the circumstances of those facing threats, intimidation or displacement following the incident.

The organisation called on the authorities to ensure the safety of the affected families and prevent further violence, stressing that allegations against an individual must not be used to justify attacks on an entire community. (Source: IANS)