Sahiwal, Punjab: Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, has strongly condemned the recent police operation that escalated a domestic dispute into a serious legal crisis involving the registration of anti-terrorism charges against 80 Christians in Chak No. 190, Harappa village, Sahiwal, Punjab. 

According to reports, the incident began as a family matter between a Christian husband and wife but was mishandled by both Sindh and Punjab police forces. He explained that Alfred Masih, a Sindh police official, coordinated with officers from both provinces to carry out a joint operation aimed at arresting Nina Bibi, wife of Alfred Masih, and their children. The case was originally registered at Shikarpur police station in Sindh. 

The attempt to arrest the women during this operation turned chaotic, leading to the filing of severe anti-terrorism charges against not only the immediate family but also 80 innocent Christians from the village, including women, children, and elderly members. Pastor Amanat described the action as a grave injustice against the marginalized community. 

“This is an unacceptable misuse of anti-terrorism laws against poor Christians,” he said. “We demand that the government immediately withdraw these charges and ensure justice for the affected families.” 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, also voiced his condemnation. He emphasized that the root of the situation is a domestic dispute and expressed deep concern over the fact that members of the Christian community themselves have been involved in persecuting their own people. 

“The dispute was a private family matter and should not have been escalated to this level,” said Gill. “It is tragic that instead of support and protection, our community members are facing persecution from within.” 

Christian activists and human rights advocates have joined the calls for immediate dismissal of the case, highlighting the broader issue of minority persecution and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan. In a joint statement, several activists urged the government to take swift action: 

“This case is a blatant example of how anti-terrorism laws are weaponized against marginalized communities, especially Christians,” said one prominent activist. “We demand the immediate withdrawal of all charges and a thorough investigation into the police conduct during the operation. The government must protect the rights and dignity of its minority citizens.” 

The activists further stressed the urgent need for legal reforms and accountability mechanisms to prevent such incidents from recurring. 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan and allied activists have called on authorities to review the case promptly, release the accused, and take measures to prevent such misuse of the law against vulnerable minority communities in the future.