ECLJ Representing Pakistani Christian Family Persecuted by Muslim Neighbors

The Pakistan office of the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) is representing a Christian family persecuted by Muslim neighbors in Okara, Pakistan because of their Christian faith. Amanat Masih, his wife and two children, were severely injured in an unprovoked attack. 

On April 26, a Muslim neighbor, Mahabat Ali and his accomplices, entered Masih’s house and attacked the Christian family, leaving Masih’s wife with a broken arm and his two sons with several wounds. Masih’s wife and sons were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were treated. Ali later challenged the medical report prepared by the hospital in the Sessions Court in Okara, claiming it was a false report. The ECLJ represented the family at the hearing and the Court denied the defendants’ request for re-examination of the injured Christians. On May 21, the Court also denied defendants’ pre-arrest bail.

This is not the first time that the Masih family has been attacked by the local Muslims. Masih told us that in May 2009, his son Nadeem Gill was beaten by the same Muslim neighbors on a false accusation of entering their house. Masih said that the area Muslims forced him to enter into an illegal agreement that stated that Masih family will not speak in a loud voice in the street or play loud music in their home. It further states that in case of any dispute with the neighbors, Masih will not go to the police but instead will settle the matter through village elders. The agreement also called for stiff fines - which could total thousands of dollars - if the Masih family did not comply. In fact, the Masih family already has been forced to pay a fine totaling 100-dollars.  The terms of the agreement applied only to the Masih family - who are Christian - and did not apply to any of the Muslim neighbors.

Masih told the ECLJ that the family continued to be harassed after they built a house. “They [Muslims] want us to flee the area so that they can take our house,” said Masih.

Authorities have yet to arrest Mahabat Ali and his accomplices who attacked the Masih family. The Masih family told the ECLJ that while this is an extremely difficult time for them, they are encouraged by the prayers of Christians.  The family continues to face pressure by the Muslim neighbors responsible for the attacks to settle the matter and withdraw their complaint.

The ECLJ continues to represent the Masih family in the Pakistani courts.

We will update you on any developments.