Pattoki, Punjab, Pakistan: A Christian family’s home was allegedly set on fire in an act of revenge following a dispute over the alleged theft of a church battery, leaving the family devastated and raising renewed concerns about the safety and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. 

The incident reportedly occurred in Baharwal Kalan, within the jurisdiction of Sarai Mughal Police Station, where the residence of Arshad Dina Masih, a servant of Baharwal Church, was allegedly targeted. According to the complaint, the attackers poured petrol on the house and set it ablaze. 

Arshad Dina Masih stated that after a church battery was allegedly stolen, questions were raised regarding the incident and suspicion fell on Muhammad Rizwan alias Jani, son of Muhammad Iqbal Ansari, and others. He alleged that the suspects developed hostility after being questioned and later carried out the attack as an act of revenge, believing that the Christian family would be unable to defend themselves or seek justice. 

The fire completely destroyed the family’s household belongings, including furniture, personal possessions, and essential items. The incident caused significant financial loss and emotional distress, leaving the family facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives after their home was reduced to ashes. 

Pastor Imran Amanat, Head of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, strongly condemned the alleged attack and called for justice and protection for vulnerable Christian families. 

“Setting a family’s home on fire is a cruel and unacceptable act. Every citizen, regardless of faith, has the right to safety, dignity, and equal protection under the law. Those responsible must be held accountable through a fair and transparent legal process,” Pastor Imran Amanat stated. 

LEAD Ministries emphasized that it continues to document and raise awareness about cases involving violence, discrimination, and persecution against Christians in Pakistan. The organization’s advocacy and human rights reporting efforts focus on amplifying the voices of affected communities while promoting justice, religious freedom, and protection for religious minorities. 

According to Arshad Dina Masih, while he had gone to the church for worship, the accused allegedly went to his residence, poured petrol on the house, and set it on fire. He said that all household items were destroyed in the resulting blaze. 

The victim stated that he approached the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sarai Mughal Police Station and submitted an application requesting registration of a case against the nominated suspects. However, he alleged that the police initially refused to register the complaint and did not properly address his concerns. 

The matter was later brought to the attention of senior police officials following intervention by community representatives and local Christian leaders, including MPA Emmanuel Ather Jules, along with Nadeem Shimon, Saleem Ghori, and Christian advocate Abid Gujjar. Their efforts helped ensure that the complaint received due attention, leading to the registration of the case. 

Following these interventions, police registered the case as FIR No. 757/26, according to the report. 

Christian leaders and community representatives have urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation, ensure protection for the affected family, and take appropriate legal action against those responsible. 

The alleged attack has renewed concerns among Christian communities regarding the challenges faced by religious minorities and the need for stronger measures to ensure security, equality, and justice for all citizens. 

LEAD Ministries clarified that its mission is to document, report, and raise awareness about cases of violence, discrimination, and persecution affecting Christians in Pakistan. The organization focuses on advocacy and human rights reporting to amplify the voices of victims and marginalized communities. It emphasized that LEAD Ministries does not provide financial assistance or receive funds for individual cases, but instead works to promote justice, religious freedom, and the protection of vulnerable Christian communities through documentation, awareness, and advocacy.