News Desk
May 25, 2024 – Sargodha:
A violent mob assaulted Nazir Masih, a Christian factory owner, in the Mujahid Colony area of Sargodha, following rumors that he had burned pages of the Holy Quran. The incident, documented in FIR 435/24, began around 7 a.m. when misinformation spread that Masih had desecrated the Quran while burning rubbish.
The accusations quickly incited a mob that brutally attacked Masih, dragged him into the street, and set his house and shoe factory on fire, destroying all raw materials and packaging. Eyewitnesses described the mob as highly charged, with children participating in the destruction and women filming the incident on their phones.
As the mob gathered, it grew increasingly violent, attacking Masih’s property without attempting to verify the facts. The attackers torched Masih’s house and factory, reducing them to ashes.
Sanawar Balam Member District Human Rights committee, reported that Nazir Masih is admitted to CMH Sargodha Hospital and is in critical condition, given his advanced age of over 70 years. He also revealed that, the attacks were insitigated by local Musilim neighbours of Nazir Masih, who were dealing with the dispute prior to this attack and allegation. He also noted the tense situation for the local Christian community but recognized the efforts of the police.
Police, led by District Police Officer Dr. Asad, responded to the scene using tear gas to disperse the mob and arrest dozens of individuals. Authorities are currently analyzing CCTV footage to identify all involved perpetrators. Commissioner Sargodha Division, Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, condemned the incident and assured a transparent investigation, emphasizing that those responsible for spreading false accusations and inciting violence would face legal consequences.
Sargodha Police Spokesman Abid Hussain confirmed that law and order had been largely restored. The police, in coordination with local community members, managed to rescue Masih and his family, relocating them to a safe location. Although no lives were lost during the incident, one person was injured and is in stable condition.
The attack left the Christian community in Mujahid Colony, which includes several families and a local church, gripped by fear as the mob threatened to extend their violence to other Christian properties.
The Moderator of the Church of Pakistan Bishop Azad Marshall, expressed his solidarity and grief with the Christians of Sargodha. “I strongly condemn today’s unfortunate incident in Sargodha, which is reminiscent of the violent attacks against Christians in Jaranwala in August last year. It’s crucial that any allegation of blasphemy should be thoroughly investigated and the accused person should be given a fair chance of defense. Under no circumstances should mobs have the liberty to take the law into their own hands while law enforcement officials watch the violence as silent spectators. In an increasingly polarized society, we must ask who gives the mob such freedom to vilify and disrupt the constitutional rights of many. We need to foster an environment where dialogue replaces discord and where understanding transcends intolerance,” Marshall stated.