Source: www.persecution.org
Date: May 27, 2021
Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – According to local reports, two Christian homes in Pakistan were burned down in religiously motivated attacks in April. Both attacks exemplify the persecution and discrimination faced by Pakistani Christians.
William Masih, a young Christian, purchased a house on some land from Tariq Hussain, a respectful Muslim landowner. Hussain sadly died after he sold the land to him, with all legal documents in Masih’s name.
Ghafooran Bibi, Hussain’s sister, claimed to be the landowner and attempted to evict Masih through court action. However, the judge overseeing the case dismissed the petition in favor of Masih, citing the legal documents proving his claim on the property.
On April 1, Bibi led an attack on Masih’s house and set it on fire while he and his mother worked in the field, destroying everything he owned, including the only Bible his family owned. Masih and his mother filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the arsonists. However, local police have not responded to the complaint.
In another case, during the last week of April, seven other Christian families had their houses set on fire by Muslim extremists attempting to take their land. Asif Munawar, a human rights defender, informed International Christian Concern (ICC) that one of the victims was forced to sign a reconciliation paper on behalf of all the families to create peace.
Shazia Bibi, one of the arsonists, falsified documents in favor of her claim that the Christian families had sold their houses and the land belonged to her. Again, local police did not act against Bibi.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for peaceful resolution of property disputes in Pakistan. Pray for provision for those who lost their homes. Pray for the authorities to take necessary action in these incidents.