9/5/2024 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) — Yet another Christian community in Pakistan is in a state of fear following a local Muslim’s false accusation of blasphemy.  

On Aug. 27, a man named “Bugti” claimed a local Christian had burned a Quran in the Christian community of Gulshan-e-Mariam, Jam Kanda, Shah Latif Town, district Malir Karachi. Word of the incident spread, and tensions mounted until a Muslim mob formed on Aug. 30 and shouted threats. Nearly 40 of the more than 250 Christian families in the community fled, fearing violence. Members of the mob broke into those families’ homes and stole their belongings.   

“The situation of the area was very harmful, and the Muslims of the area included were angry, and some masked persons were ready for the attack,” one person reported. “Luckily, all were saved after the statement of the man named Bugti, who saw the burnt Quran from a garbage canister near the Christian community’s area.”  

Police reportedly took Bugti and two Christians, a pastor and a police officer, to the Shah Latif Police Station to record their statements on the incident. Representatives of Muslim organizations in the area also visited the police station.  

Police later met with religious and political leaders from the local Christian and Muslim communities. Bugti also attended the meeting and shared why he made the accusation.   

“I found a burnt Quran from the garbage canister, but I have not seen anyone doing this,” Bugti said.  

Although police have increased their presence in the area following the incident, ICC has heard reports of local Christians still feeling threatened and afraid.   

False blasphemy charges have been weaponized against Christians for years and have been widely reported. Christians throughout Pakistan fear being targeted by the weaponizing of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Previous allegations made against believers have led to extensive destruction and even death. 

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