Photo: CLAAS-UK
A blasphemy allegation has created unrest in the Sargodha district of Punjab, leaving Christians concerned about their safety. This is the third such incident to have occurred in the area over the past month – including one ongoing case involving Haroon Shahzad, who was accused of blasphemy after posting a Scripture passage to his Facebook page on June 29th. (To review the previously posted report, go to this page.)
In this latest incident, a Muslim man by the name of Mohd Abdul Gaffer was returning home after his morning prayers to Allah on July 16th when he spotted a pamphlet tucked into a section of the wall surrounding his house. According to Mohd, the contents were highly disrespectful of Muhammad and the Quran, and it included praise over a recent incident that took place in Sweden where a Quran had been burned. News of the pamphlet rapidly spread, resulting in outrage among the members of the Muslim community. Police quickly responded as demonstrations of protest began to build. Although the officers at the scene were able to quell any violence, a police report was issued in compliance with the demands of the angered mob.
This area of Punjab is home to several Christian communities, and some local Muslims who were angered by the pamphlet have placed blame on the neighbouring Christians. While police intervention likely prevented immediate violence, believers are very mindful of past instances of persecution and feel uneasy about the potential for more mob violence. "The unknown identities of the culprits are cause for alarm, and it is unfortunate that fingers are being pointed towards Christians," states Nasir Saeed, who serves as the director of CLAAS-UK.
Some Christian leaders have suggested that this incident could be the work of individuals hoping to exploit the anger of the Muslim community following the public burning of a Quran in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 28th. Christians throughout Pakistan have condemned the Quran burning, demonstrating their commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for all faiths. Nevertheless, some militants in Pakistan have endeavoured to stir up hatred against their Christian neighbours, to the point of fabricating stories to incite increased volatility.
Praise God for the swift intervention of the police in this most recent incident. Pray that the authorities will be able to continue defusing any further violence amid ongoing religious tensions throughout this area of Punjab. Prayerfully uphold our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan as they endeavour to live peaceable lives within a very volatile nation. May each believer be filled with God's wisdom as they seek to interact with those around them – conveying His love, grace and peace to their Muslim neighbours.
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