Protest to Stop Christians Genocide and Persecution in Pakistan
Sargodha, Pakistan – May 25, 2024 – In a heartbreaking incident, 72-year-old Christian man Lazarus Nazir Masih was brutally attacked by a mob of thousands of Muslims in Sargodha, Pakistan. The mob, armed with bricks, stones, and rods, assaulted him in an attempt to take his life. This horrifying act of violence has once again highlighted the ongoing persecution faced by the Christian community in Pakistan.
The violent attack also saw Christian homes and businesses set ablaze, further deepening the fear and insecurity among the community. In response, Kaleem Shahzad, the Founder and Chairman of Holy Light Foundation, alongside the Christian Lawyers Alliance Pakistan and Bishops of the National Bishops Council of Pakistan, has taken a firm stand, leading a protest in Sargodha to demand justice.
The persecution of Christians in Pakistan is not an isolated event. Just months ago, on August 16, 2023, a similar attack unfolded, where a mob of thousands burned numerous churches, torched over 300 Christian houses, and desecrated thousands of Holy Bibles. These continuous acts of violence have left Pakistani Christians living in constant fear for their lives and properties.
The Holy Light Foundation remains committed to standing with persecuted Christians, providing legal assistance, advocacy, and support to victims of religious violence. Our team is actively engaged in offering assistance to those falsely accused under blasphemy laws—laws that have historically been misused to target religious minorities, leading to devastating consequences for individuals and entire communities.
We call upon the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action in halting false accusations of blasphemy and ensuring the safety and security of all religious minorities in Pakistan. These fabricated charges not only destroy lives but also fuel further violence and instability in the nation. Because of this law, many Muslims harbor hatred in their hearts, leading to discrimination against Christians in jobs, workplaces, and social and political spheres. If someone wants to seize a Christian’s property, they falsely accuse them of blasphemy. This injustice is not limited to Christians—anyone perceived as becoming stronger or more influential can be accused of blasphemy and killed. No one takes action against such crimes; even if the accused is jailed, they are often released after a short time. In Pakistan, those who commit murder in the name of blasphemy are celebrated with flowers and wealth, and their families receive financial support, wealth, properties from other muslims.
We also urge the global Christian community to stand with us in prayer and advocacy. Let us intercede for the victims, for their protection, and for Pakistan to experience peace, justice, and the love of God. The Holy Light Foundation will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, standing firm in our mission to defend the rights and dignity of persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
Kaleem Shahzad stated that the persecution of Christians has persisted for decades and centuries because Christians around the world have never truly united. While Christians actively support and empower other communities, speaking for causes like Gaza, Kashmir, and Balochistan, the plight of Pakistani Christians remains largely unheard.
Despite the brutal attacks, including the burning of over 300 homes and churches, the silence from Western Christian churches, organizations, politicians, media, and secular groups is deafening. The Christian community in Pakistan faces daily persecution, yet there is little global advocacy to amplify their voices. It is time for Christians worldwide to unite, speak up, and stand in solidarity with their persecuted brothers and sisters in Pakistan.