Church Building Attacked Over Land Dispute

Church members and pastor - Photo: Facebook / Christians in the World
Church members and their
pastor gather after the attack.
Photo: Facebook / Christians in the World

On May 9th, a group of Muslim men vandalized the Trinity Pentecostal Church in the town of Kala Shah Kaku over an alleged land dispute. The group was led by Malik Aun Abbas, a local property dealer who claims he has rights to the land. The men demolished the main gate and boundary wall. They then entered the church, broke the cross, damaged a wall, and threatened to burn the building and the Christians who were present. Police were called to the scene but the men escaped before the authorities arrived.

According to Pastor Samuel Hadayat, who has led the church for 22 years, an empty plot of neighbouring land measuring 101 square metres was purchased last year to better accommodate their growing congregation. However, the former owners have recently put pressure on the Christian community to relinquish the empty lot. Leaders of the church insist they have legal title to the entirety of the property, including last year's purchase of land.

When the church building located on the original property was closed due to quarantine, the perpetrators attempted to take advantage of the situation by carrying out the attack. A police report has been filed, in which Pastor Samuel Hadayat wrote, "They tried to create a fight between the Muslims and the Christians, and create hatred between both religions."

Punjab senator Kamran Michael vows to ensure the arrest of those responsible for the attack, "It is terrorism to hurt the religious sentiments of a community," he affirms. For further information and previously reported incidents of persecution and oppression committed against Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Pray that this dispute will be settled amicably through legal mediation, and that peace and unity will take place among the members of this Punjabi town. May God's justice prevail, resulting in the conviction and heart-change of those responsible for the attack. Pray that the church will be a shining light of Christ's love, grace and forgiveness in their community.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.