Sahiwal, Punjab – In the wake of the tragic mob attack in Jaranwala that left the Christian community devastated , yet another distressing episode has unfolded, deepening the worries and pains of Christians across Pakistan.
The incident, which occurred three days after the horrifying events in Jaranwala , involves the booking of a Christian man on charges of blasphemy.
The individual at the center of this latest case has been identified as Shan Masih, a resident of Dera Rahim district in Sahiwal, Punjab. The complainant, a police officer stationed at Dera Rahim police station, alleges that Shan Masih shared a blasphemous pamphlet on his TikTok account, containing offensive content directed towards the prophet.
This act, which also included the depiction of Raki Masih and his father Saleem Masih, is said to have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.
The pamphlet in question bears an unfortunate resemblance to the one used in the accusations against Raja Amir and Raki Masih in the tragic Jaranwala incident. It was this pamphlet that led to a violent eruption, resulting in the burning of at least 26 churches and the destruction of over 300 Christian homes by a misguided mob that had been incited by false allegations of blasphemy.
Authorities swiftly apprehended Shan Masih following this latest complaint and have taken measures to ensure the safety of him and his family. The police have relocated the Masih family to a more secure location to prevent any potential harm. The First Information Report (FIR) lodged against Shan Masih encompasses sections 295-A and B, in addition to the relevant clauses of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016.
The apprehension of Shan Masih has further exacerbated the concerns of Christians across Pakistan, already reeling from the horrific events in Jaranwala. The broader Christian community fears for their safety and security, as they grapple with the reality that such incidents can pose a serious threat to their lives and livelihoods.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“Christians in Pakistan are still reeling over the recent mob attacks in Jaranwala.
“This troubling episode underscores the need for continued efforts to promote religious tolerance, harmony, and respect for diverse beliefs within Pakistani society.
“It is crucial that authorities, community leaders, and individuals come together to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future, and that every citizen can practice their faith without fear.”
