SHEIKHUPURA, PAKISTAN: Fear and anxiety have reportedly gripped the Christian community in Nizam Pura, Sheikhupura, following an alleged attack on a local church, raising serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities and the protection of places of worship.

According to local residents, several individuals from the Muslim community allegedly targeted the church, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Christian residents. Members of the affected community reportedly sought immediate assistance from law enforcement authorities. However, residents claim that police did not arrive at the scene promptly despite their urgent requests for help.

Frustrated by the alleged delay in the official response, local residents reportedly contacted the concerned police station themselves to bring the incident to the authorities' attention.

The incident has reportedly left Christian families deeply distressed, with residents expressing concerns about their personal safety, religious freedom, and the security of their place of worship. They have called on the authorities to ensure that religious minorities can practise their faith without fear, intimidation, or discrimination.

Christian Community Demands Government Intervention

Affected families have appealed to senior government officials, the district administration, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate notice of the alleged incident. Their demands include a transparent and impartial investigation, identification of those responsible, and appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.

The community has also called for adequate security arrangements around the church and neighbouring Christian residential areas to prevent further threats, harassment, intimidation, or violence.

LEAD Ministries Leader Appeals to Punjab Government and Police Authorities

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, has strongly appealed to the Punjab Government, the Inspector General of Police (IG Punjab), and the CCPO Lahore to take immediate notice of the reported incident and ensure the safety and protection of the Christian community in Nizam Pura.

Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, equality, and the rule of law, Pastor Imran Amanat urged the authorities to uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen, protect places of worship, and ensure that religious minorities are able to practise their faith without fear or discrimination.

He stressed that the protection of religious communities and their places of worship must remain a fundamental responsibility of the state.

Renewed Concerns Over Religious Minority Protection in Pakistan

The reported incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding the security of religious minorities and the protection of their places of worship in Pakistan.

The Christian community is now looking towards the provincial government and law enforcement authorities for swift intervention, a fair investigation, justice, and practical security measures to restore confidence among affected families.

The community’s message is clear: Every citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, has the constitutional right to safety, dignity, equality, and freedom of worship. No individual or community should have to live in fear while exercising these fundamental rights.

LEAD MINISTRIES: HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY, DOCUMENTATION AND THE NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

LEAD Ministries is committed to documenting and reporting alleged cases of Christian persecution and human rights violations in Pakistan. Its work focuses particularly on violence against Christians, religious discrimination, threats and intimidation, violations of religious freedom, alleged forced religious conversions and marriages involving Christian girls, and the alleged misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities.

Through human rights documentation, advocacy, and international awareness, the organisation seeks to promote justice, equality, religious freedom, and protection for vulnerable Christian communities.

However, LEAD Ministries currently does not have the financial resources or funding partners necessary to provide direct financial assistance to victims and persecuted families.

In this regard, the organisation is appealing to international Christian organisations, churches, charitable foundations, philanthropists, humanitarian donors, and compassionate individuals to establish meaningful partnerships in support of its mission.

Such partnerships would help LEAD Ministries expand its work beyond documentation and advocacy, enabling it to facilitate practical assistance, legal support, emergency relief, and other essential services for victims and their families.

Our mission is to give a voice to the persecuted, defend religious freedom, document human rights violations, and stand with vulnerable communities.

With the support of international partners and committed donors, LEAD Ministries hopes to transform human rights advocacy into practical assistance, protection, and renewed hope for those facing persecution.

LEAD MINISTRIES

Human Rights Advocacy | Religious Freedom | Documentation | International Partnerships