Pakistan - Another year full of oppression for Christians in Punjab

Year 2015 was full of oppression for the Christians in Punjab.

According to details, Christian community in Punjab province had to face an increased wave of religion-based oppression. The number of blasphemy cases against Christian community. Moreover, cases of gender-based violence against Christians increased dramatically.

While speaking with the media, the Christian community has not forgotten the twin blasts at two different churches in Lahore’s Youhanabad area. As a result of these blasts about 15 people lost their lives while more than 70 others were injured. As a result of these blasts, furious Christians of Youhanabad took to the streets of Lahore and staged massive protest while blocked Ferozepur Road for traffic following the attacks.

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Shortly after the incidents, a mob comprising of local Christians started raiding public and government properties including the Metro Bus station. During this protest, the mob lynched two men who were accused of being co-conspirators of the suicide bombers.

As a result of this uproar, police arrested dozens of Christian residents of Youhanaabad over the lynching case. Some of them, according to the local church leaders were innocent. Moreover, dozens of Christians fled from the neighbourhood, while about 47 Christians are still under police custody over lynching case.

“My family is not celebrating Christmas this year,” says daughter of one of the Christians arrested in lynching case. Police is yet to make progress in investigation of the suicide attacks, however, in contrast rapid action was taken against Christians who protested over the attack. “My father is 60 years old and suffers from chronic pain in the back,” she says.

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