Pakistan: CLAAS-UK has condemned the reported mob attack on the home and medical clinic of Kamran Gill, a Christian father of three from Gharial Kalan, near Narang Mandi in Pakistan’s Sheikhupura district, following allegations that he shared blasphemous content on social media.

According to the information received, Kamran was reportedly arrested on 8 October 2026, and a case was registered against him the following day. On 9 October, a crowd allegedly broke into his clinic, vandalised the premises and set fire to the clinic and adjoining home. His family and several other Christian residents reportedly fled amid fears of further violence.

Police and Rescue 1122 reportedly intervened to control the situation and extinguish the fire. A separate criminal case has been registered against named and unidentified alleged attackers. However, questions remain about whether adequate preventive measures were taken before the violence began.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, said “We strongly condemn this appalling attack. No allegation gives anyone the right to burn a home, destroy a livelihood or terrorise a family. Kamran is entitled to a fair investigation and due process. His wife, children and relatives must not face collective punishment because of an accusation against him.

“Reports that Kamran was already in police custody before the attack raise serious questions about the protection provided to his family and property. Could earlier deployment, a proper assessment of the threat and action against those mobilising the crowd have prevented this destruction? An independent inquiry must establish what the authorities knew, what precautions they took and whether their response was timely and adequate.”

The incident recalls earlier attacks on Christian communities, including Shanti Nagar in 1997, Gojra in 2009, Joseph Colony in Lahore in 2013 and Jaranwala in 2023. These incidents involved mob attacks on Christian homes or neighbourhoods, with blasphemy allegations serving as a trigger in several cases.

Saeed continued “This is not the first time we have witnessed such violence. The repeated pattern of accusation, mobilisation, destruction and displacement must be stopped. Christians should not have to abandon their homes whenever an allegation is made against someone in their community.

“Condemnation after an attack is not enough. The federal and provincial governments must introduce effective safeguards to prevent the misuse of blasphemy allegations and protect those accused, their families and surrounding communities. This must include immediate threat assessments, timely police protection, action against incitement and proper scrutiny of the evidence.

“The government must also review the relevant laws and procedures and introduce amendments where necessary to prevent abuse and strengthen protection. Deliberately fabricated allegations must be investigated, and anyone found responsible must be held accountable through due process.

“Those who take the law into their own hands must be investigated and prosecuted, and, if convicted, punished according to the law. Accountability must extend to those who organise, encourage or incite attacks, as well as those who carry them out. Any proven negligence or complicity by public officials must also have consequences.

“Kamran’s family needs immediate protection, safe accommodation and assistance to rebuild its home and livelihood. His safety in custody and access to legal representation must be ensured. The government must demonstrate through concrete action that every citizen, regardless of religion, is entitled to equal protection—and that mob violence will never be tolerated.”