A Christian man’s home and adjoining pharmacy in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura district were burned by a mob on Oct. 9 following a blasphemy allegation, sparking safety fears for his family and neighboring Christian residents. 

Kamran Gill, a 40-year-old father of three from Gharial Kalan village near Narang Mandi, was accused of sharing an allegedly blasphemous video on social media. Complainant Raees Ahmed alleged that Gill had shared a video on Facebook that another account had originally uploaded. 

According to Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), police registered an FIR at Narang police station on Oct. 9, citing Sections 295-A, 298, and 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with provisions described as Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order law and Section 29-D of the Telegraph Act.  

Police reportedly detained Gill at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, and moved him to a safe location. As news of the arrest spread, his family and other Christian residents began leaving the village, fearing a mob attack. Despite his detention, a crowd gathered the following day after Jummah prayers and attacked his property.  

More than 35 Christian families reportedly fled their homes amid fears of further attacks. Police intervention reportedly prevented damage to other Christian properties, and additional personnel were deployed to protect the community. Published accounts differ in the number of alleged attackers arrested. 

Condemnation of Arson

Human Rights Focus Pakistan condemned the arson, threats and intimidation, calling on authorities to protect Gill, his family and the wider Christian community. HRFP president Naveed Walter demanded legal representation, a fair trial, assistance for displaced families and accountability for those responsible for the violence. 

A mere accusation does not establish that Gill committed a crime. Any determination of guilt must follow a fair, impartial investigation and judicial proceedings. No allegation authorizes a mob to burn homes, threaten neighbors, or take punishment into its own hands.

The attack underscores the need for Pakistani authorities to strengthen safeguards in blasphemy investigations, rigorously verify evidence, and investigate intimidation and malicious accusations. 

Preventing these laws from being used to target Christians and other minorities requires both fair treatment of accused individuals and effective prosecution of those responsible for mob violence. 

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