MULTAN: Mob violence against the Christian community in Punjab, Pakistan, has been a recurring and troubling phenomenon over the years. Often sparked by allegations of blasphemy, these incidents have led to widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of families. The Christian minority, like other religious minorities in the region, faces significant threats to their safety and security. This timeline highlights some of the major incidents that illustrate this ongoing issue.
1. Shanti Nagar Incident (1997):
In February 1997, a mob attacked Shanti Nagar, a Christian village in Khanewal District, following false blasphemy allegations. Churches were burned, hundreds of houses were destroyed, and many families were displaced.
2. Gojra Incident (2009):
On August 1, 2009, a mob set fire to Christian homes in Gojra, Toba Tek Singh District, after accusations of Quran desecration. The violence resulted in the deaths of eight Christians, including women and children, and the destruction of 50 houses.
3. Joseph Colony Incident (2013):
On March 9, 2013, a mob attacked Joseph Colony, a Christian neighborhood in Lahore, over blasphemy allegations against a Christian man. Over 100 homes, shops, and two churches were vandalized and burned, forcing residents to flee.
4. Kot Radha Kishan Incident (2014):
On November 4, 2014, a Christian couple, Shama and Shahzad Masih, were lynched by a mob in Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur District, after being accused of blasphemy. They were burned alive in a brick kiln where they worked.
5. Youhanabad Incident (2015):
On March 15, 2015, two suicide bombers attacked churches in Youhanabad, Lahore. Residents, in retaliation, lynched two Muslim men suspected of involvement. The twin attacks killed at least 17 people and injured dozens.
6. Jhelum Factory Attack (2016):
In November 2016, a mob torched a factory in Jhelum after an employee was accused of desecrating the Quran. The factory, owned by a member of the Ahmadiyya community, was destroyed.
7. Faisalabad Incident (2018):
In May 2018, a mob attacked Christian homes in Chak 44 village, Faisalabad District, following a dispute between Muslim and Christian youths. Several houses were ransacked, and families were threatened.
8. Nankana Sahib Incident (2020):
In January 2020, a mob attacked the Gurdwara JanamAsthan in Nankana Sahib, affecting the local Christian community. The violence stemmed from a social dispute involving a Sikh girl.
9. Sialkot Incident (2021):
On December 3, 2021, a Sri Lankan Christian factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, was lynched by a mob in Sialkot over blasphemy allegations. The act drew international condemnation and highlighted ongoing issues of mob justice in Pakistan.
10. Sargodha Incident (2024):
In 2024, two Christian families were rescued from a mob attacking their homes in Sargodha’s Mujahid Colony over alleged desecration. Police deployed a large contingent, reporting no fatalities, although witnesses and the Minority Rights March indicated serious injuries and a lynching. A peace committee was formed to address the situation.
