The national flag of Pakistan /Envato Market

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

SAHIWAL, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – Pakistani Christians urged prayers Thursday after police reportedly detained some 80 Christian villagers, including children, in Pakistan’s Punjab province on disputed “terrorism” charges.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan, confirmed to Worthy News that the arrests took place in the Chak No. 190 area of Harappa, a historic village on the outskirts of Sahiwal city.

He said the incident began “as a family matter between a Christian husband and wife but was mishandled by police.”

According to Amanat, police “detained Nina Bibi, wife of Alfred Masih, and their children,” then extended the action to “80 innocent Christians from the village, including women, children, and elderly members.”

Calling the detentions “a grave injustice” against Pakistan’s already “marginalized” Christian community, Amanat condemned what he described as “an unacceptable misuse of anti-terrorism laws against poor Christians.”

He urged the government to “immediately withdraw these charges and ensure justice for the affected families.” There was no immediate reaction from the government or police amid an ongoing investigation.

FAMILY DISPUTE

LEAD founder and human rights lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill told Worthy News the “dispute was a private family matter and should not have been escalated to this level.”

He also criticized certain villagers identifying as “Christian” for allegedly siding with the police. “It is tragic that instead of offering support and protection, some members of our own community are aiding in the persecution,” Gill said.

LEAD Pakistan Ministries and allied activists called for a prompt review of the case, the release of those detained, and measures to prevent “such misuse of the law” against vulnerable minorities.

In a joint statement, they said the detentions are “a blatant example of how anti-terrorism laws are weaponized against marginalized communities, especially Christians,” adding that “legal reforms and accountability mechanisms are urgently needed.”

The police’s First Information Report (FIR), required to initiate a criminal investigation, has already sparked concern among rights advocates over “religious discrimination and abuse of legal provisions.”

The FIR, obtained by Worthy News, contains what activists describe as “exaggerated allegations and indiscriminate application” of the Anti-Terrorism Act — measures they believe are intended to ensure maximum punishment and deny bail.

‘QUESTIONABLE EVIDENCE’

Gill said contradictions and questionable evidence suggest “a misuse of the judicial system to target religious minorities,” warning that such practices violate Pakistan’s constitutional guarantee of equality and undermine the integrity of the justice system.

As tensions rose Thursday, LEAD Ministries Pakistan appealed “for prayer” for the detained Christians. “Let’s pray for justice, protection, and strength for these families,” the group said. “May God’s peace surround them, and may truth and fairness prevail. We also pray that the authorities act with mercy and wisdom.”

“In these difficult times, our faith and unity are our greatest strength,” the statement added. “Please share and keep them in your prayers.”

Pakistan ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List compiled by advocacy group Open Doors, which says Christians face “extreme” persecution for their faith.

Around 4.5 million Christians live in the Muslim-majority nation, representing less than two percent of the population, according to data.

Rights groups have long warned that Pakistan’s anti-terrorism and blasphemy laws are frequently used to target Christians and other religious minorities through “false accusations and politically motivated cases.”

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