Voices for Community : Pakistan

Raising Voices for Peace — Standing with the Victims of Jaranwala

A Persecution Report: Christians Persecuted in Jaranwala Pakistan

Our hearts are crying while we are share this tragic news with you. On 16 August a blasphemy case was reported in police station and before any investigation after some time angry mobs started burning and vandalizing multiple churches and Christian Homes in different Christian colonies.

A few people announced in mosques on loud speakers to kill Christians and burn their churches and homes. Upon hearing this announcement Christians were terrified. They immediately left their homes and started running towards nearby fields. While they were hiding in fields, they had nothing to eat and they slept under open sky all night while in fear snakes and of being burnt alive by the mob.

While Christians were running for their lives within a few minutes around 21 churches were burned in nearby villages. 86Christian homes were completely burnt and almost 350 Christian homes werelooted and vandalized.

They no longer have any beds, clothes, food items, home appliances, Their basic utilities such as gas, electric meter and water lines have been damaged.Their bikes have been burnt and their money, jewelry has been stolen. Some people are only left with the clothes they are wearing they no longer own anything else.

This incident has not just caused financial loss but it has emotionally damaged the local Christian Community and International Christian Community. It will take a lot of time to get out of such difficult situation but the scars of such incident will remain in our hearts.

Local Christians are thankful to God that their lives have been saved. They pray for the people who have vandalized their homes, properties and especially their churches. They ask God to give them wisdom so they stop hurting Christians.

Mumtaz Bibi, a widow and mother of three daughters and one son, resides in Christian Colony, Chamara Mandi. One morning, while she was praying, she heard the horrifying news that their church was under attack and that Christian homes might soon be targeted. Fearing for their lives, she quickly gathered her children and fled to the nearby fields. After spending some time there, she sought shelter at a relative’s home.

When she returned the next day, she was heartbroken to see her home destroyed—gas and electricity meters broken, belongings scattered, and the entire house vandalized. Overwhelmed by grief, she wept bitterly, pointing toward her damaged refrigerator. Through tears, she said, “I have an emotional attachment to this refrigerator. My husband worked so hard to buy it for me—it was the first one I ever owned.”

Her pain reflects not just material loss but the deep emotional and human toll of violence and hatred.

Saima Bibi — we all know the deep connection we have with our homes. Whether owned or rented, a home is our place of peace, comfort, and belonging. It’s where we eat, rest, pray, and share precious moments with loved ones. It’s also a sacred space that allows us to connect freely with God and create countless cherished memories.

Saima, who has no parents and lives with her brother, recalls the horror when announcements spread about churches being burned and Christians attacked. Terrified, they fled to the fields for safety. When she returned, her home was reduced to ashes. Pointing toward the ruins of her kitchen, she said softly, “I used to cook meals here for my brother,” and then toward the room where she once prayed. Her joyful memories have now been replaced by grief and tragedy. “I pray,” she said, “that God gives me comfort and helps me forget this sorrow so I don’t remain in sadness.”

With tears in her eyes, she added, “Everything is gone. I only have the clothes I’m wearing. Our churches are burned, and our Bibles are destroyed.” Yet, even amid this loss, her faith remains unshaken. She quoted Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Holding onto these words, Saima finds comfort and hope — believing her suffering will be rewarded in Heaven with Jesus Christ. Amen.

Nasar Masih, a resident of Christian Colony, works as a recycler by profession. He has three sons and a daughter, all of whom are married. Just four months ago, he celebrated the wedding of his youngest son with great joy and gratitude. Nasar and his three married sons lived together in one house with their wives and children, sharing a peaceful family life.

Tragically, that peace was shattered when an angry mob attacked their area. Someone informed the mob that a recycling storage nearby belonged to a Christian man. Upon hearing this, the crowd set the entire storage on fire. Within moments, it was reduced to ashes. The flames consumed not only the stored recyclable materials but also their household items, including their new bed and furniture, all purchased with hard-earned money.

The fire destroyed their only source of income, leaving Nasar and his three sons unemployed. With no earnings, they are now struggling to feed their families and rebuild their lives. The emotional and financial loss has been devastating for them.

Despite the destruction, Nasar’s faith in God remains strong. “Our church and Bibles are burnt, but we trust that God will not abandon us,” he says. “He will turn our loss into blessings.” Nasar and his family are thankful to be alive and continue to pray for strength and for those who caused them harm, choosing forgiveness and faith over despair.

Nasreen Bibi, a resident of Nai Abadi Chak #126, is a widow of the late Shakeel Masih, who passed away two years ago. During the recent tragic incident, Nasreen, along with her daughter and daughter-in-law, hid in their washroom in fear for their lives. As their home was about to be attacked, a kind-hearted Muslim woman came to their rescue and took them to her home for safety.

However, when the woman’s sons returned, they realized that their mother was sheltering Christian women. Being part of the mob themselves, they demanded that she send them away. The woman refused, bravely declaring that these Christian women were also her daughters and she would not abandon them.

Once the violence subsided, the Muslim family discreetly helped Nasreen and her family leave, fearing that if they were discovered, the mob might turn against them as well. When Nasreen returned home, she found everything destroyed — their motorcycle, bicycle, beds, bedding, and doors had been burned; their water pump was damaged, and PKR 20,000 in cash had been stolen.

Despite the destruction, Nasreen remains deeply thankful. “We are grateful to God for saving our lives,” she said tearfully. “And we will never forget the Muslim lady who risked her safety to protect us. May God bless her for her courage and compassion.”

Church Ouside and inside

Christian Houses Ouside and inside

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