Mob Burns Christian Man’s Home and Clinic in Pakistan After Blasphemy Allegation

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has condemned mob violence, arson and threats against Christians in Narang Mandi in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura district, after a Christian man was accused of blasphemy.

The man, Kamran Gill Masih, was arrested by police. According to an HRFP press release, he is accused of sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media.

After the allegation, his traditional medical clinic, which was attached to his home and included a small pharmacy, was set on fire. Members of the local Christian community were forced to flee their homes, fearing more violence.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Narang Police Station on October 9 on a complaint by a local resident, Raees Ahmed, who alleges that Masih uploaded and shared a video with material offensive to the Prophet Muhammad and his family.

The FIR cites Sections 295-A, 298 and 298-A of Pakistan’s Penal Code, along with provisions HRFP lists as Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order law and Section 29-D of the Telegraph Act.

HRFP says the exact legal references and how they apply need to be checked against the FIR and legal records. It stresses that the allegations remain subject to investigation and court determination, and that an accusation does not establish guilt.

WHAT THE RIGHTS GROUP SAYS

HRFP president Naveed Walter urged the government, police and local administration to act quickly to protect Masih, his family and the wider Christian community.

“No allegation can justify mob violence, arson, intimidation or collective punishment,” he said. “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 terrorising religious minorities.”

Determining guilt is the job of the courts and not of mobs, Walter said. Authorities must ensure Masih gets due process, legal counsel and a fair trial, and the state must also protect his family and the affected community from threats and harassment.

“The safety of vulnerable individuals must not be compromised by public pressure or unsubstantiated accusations,” he said.

The group called on authorities to investigate the violence and hold the perpetrators accountable, help displaced families, stop inflammatory content from spreading and promote interfaith dialogue.

HRFP says its fact-finding team is on the ground collecting information and assessing the protection needs of those facing threats or displacement.

Other accounts say the violence took place in Gharial Kalan village near Narang Mandi on Friday. The local police have said Masih allegedly shared a blasphemous post that went viral in the area, and a crowd gathered outside his home.

Christian rights groups say more than 35 Christian families fled the village. A source cited by Morning Star News said police stopped the mob from damaging other Christian properties and arrested more than 15 of those who set the fire, and that a large police contingent was deployed to protect Christian residents.

Voice PK and other outlets compared the attack with the 2023 violence in Jaranwala in Faisalabad district, when mobs torched churches and homes after blasphemy accusations.

Pakistan has a long record of blasphemy allegations leading to mob violence against minorities.

With inputs from ANI