Do you know why Christians are under attack in Pakistan? We present you a timeline of violent incidents against Christians in Pakistan.
Since Pakistan’s independence in 1947, Christians in the country have faced continuous persecution through violence, discrimination, and the misuse of blasphemy laws.
This persecution has escalated in recent decades, driven by religious extremism, sectarian violence, and the enforcement of laws that disproportionately target religious minorities.
The roots of Christian persecution in Pakistan can be traced back to the introduction of blasphemy laws, which have been weaponised against religious minorities.
These laws often result in false accusations, leading to mob violence, judicial prejudice, and lengthy incarcerations.
A timeline of violent incidents against Christians in Pakistan:
As Christians are under attack in Pakistan, here’s a timeline of violent incidents against the Christians in Pakistan:
- Taxila Christian Hospital Attack (2002): On August 9, 2002, gunmen threw grenades into a chapel at the Taxila Christian Hospital, killing four and wounding 25. This attack highlighted the vulnerability of Christian institutions even in supposedly secure environments.
- Karachi Charity Shooting (2002): On September 25, 2002, six Pakistani Christians were killed by unidentified gunmen at the Institute for Peace and Justice in Karachi. This incident involved extreme brutality, with victims bound and shot in the head.
- Chianwala Church Attack (2002): On December 25, 2002, Muslim gunmen attacked a Presbyterian church in Chianwala during a service, resulting in the deaths of three girls. This attack followed inflammatory remarks by an Islamic cleric.
- Sangla Hill Attack (2005): In November 2005, a mob of 3,000 militants attacked Christians in Sangla Hill, destroying several churches and Christian properties over allegations of blasphemy by a Christian. Despite arrests, justice was reportedly not served, and anti-Christian sentiments continued to be propagated by local clerics.
- Cartoon Protests (2006): In February 2006, protests over the Jyllands-Posten cartoons turned violent against Christians, leading to injuries and significant property damage.
- Public Assault in Lahore (2006): In June 2006, Nasir Ashraf, a Christian stonemason, was assaulted for drinking water from a public facility, illustrating the deep-seated prejudices and everyday dangers faced by Christians.
- Gojra Riots (2009): The Gojra riots in 2009 saw violent pogroms against Christians by Muslim mobs, resulting in extensive damage and loss of life.
- Assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti (2011): Shahbaz Bhatti, an outspoken critic of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and advocate for Christian rights, was assassinated in March 2011, underscoring the lethal risks faced by those challenging religious intolerance.
- Mardan Mob Attack (2012): In September 2012, a mob in Mardan, angered by the film “Innocence of Muslims”, destroyed Christian properties including a church and a school, exemplifying how global events can precipitate local violence against minorities.
- Youhanabad Church Bombings (2015): Twin bombings at churches in Lahore’s Youhanabad town in March 2015 resulted in 15 deaths and numerous injuries, recording one of the deadliest attacks on the Christian community in recent years.
- Lahore Easter Bombing (2016): A suicide bombing targeting Christians celebrating Easter in Lahore killed at least 70 people, with the Pakistani Taliban claiming responsibility, highlighting the persistent threat from extremist groups.
- Jaranwala Church Arson (2023): On August 16, 2023, twenty-six churches were burned, and Christian homes looted in Jaranwala, Punjab, marking one of the most extensive coordinated attacks on Christian infrastructure in recent times.
The Pakistani government has been heavily criticised for its inadequate protection of Christians and other religious minorities.
Critics accuse the government of turning a blind eye to violence, failing to prosecute perpetrators, and, at times, implicitly supporting persecution through inaction or biased legal proceedings.
Despite systemic and violent persecution, Pakistan’s Christian community remains resilient.
