Urgent Appeal for Aid – Support Pastor Aneel Saleem in Assisting Christian Families Affected by Violence in Sargodha, Pakistan

Date: Last Update – May 25, 2024 – Story in Progress

Comprehensive Report on the Violence in Sargodha, Pakistan

On May 25, 2024, a violent mob attack occurred in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha, Pakistan, following allegations that Nazir Masih, a Christian man, desecrated the Holy Quran. The mob set fire to Masih’s house and factory, critically injuring him and causing significant property damage. The incident sparked widespread violence and fear within the local Christian community.

Incident Overview

Pastor Aneel Saleem, our team leader on the ground, has provided firsthand footage from affected families and locals, capturing the devastation and fear experienced by the Christian community. These visuals confirm the reports from various news sources and highlight the urgent need for immediate support.

Key Events and Responses

1. Initial Attack and Mob Formation

• The mob, incited by blasphemy allegations, attacked Nazir Masih’s house, setting it on fire. Pastor Aneel’s footage corroborates Morung Express‘s report of the mob’s violent actions.
• The violence extended to Masih’s factory, which was also set ablaze, as detailed by India Today. The footage from Pastor Aneel shows the extent of the destruction.

1. Injuries and Arrests

• Masih was left critically injured and was eventually taken to Civil-Military Hospital despite initial resistance from the mob, according to Voice PK. Pastor Aneel’s reports confirm these injuries and the community’s struggle to get medical help.
• The police arrested 15 individuals involved in the attack and rescued two Christian families from further violence, as mentioned by Dawn.

1. Community Impact

• Aaj TV highlighted the fear and panic among the Christian community, with many families fleeing their homes. Pastor Aneel’s firsthand accounts and footage depict the harrowing conditions these families are enduring.
• Members of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) group were involved in the violence, indicating a coordinated effort, according to Organiser.

1. Official Statements and Actions

• Activists and Father David John stressed the need for governmental and human rights interventions to prevent such incidents, as reported by Voice PK.
• The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the violence and called for immediate action to protect the Christian community and bring perpetrators to justice.

Call for Action

In response to this tragic incident, all Christian families in the area have fled and are temporarily hiding while the situation calms down. Redeem the Oppressed is urgently appealing for support to send Pastor Aneel Saleem, who has family directly in the area, to ensure that all affected families are fed and clothed properly until they can safely return to their homes. Pastor Aneel will also assess the needs on the ground and provide the necessary support.

Immediate Needs

As summer intensifies, we are immediately providing the following essential items to the displaced families:

• Cots
• Extra clothes
• Bedsheets
• Fans
• Water coolers

How You Can Help

Your support is crucial in providing immediate relief to the displaced Christian families in Sargodha. Please consider donating to help us supply food, clothing, and other essentials to those affected by this violence. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those in desperate need.

Donate Now

Primary Source:

• Pastor Aneel Saleem, on-the-ground footage and reports from affected families and locals.

Confirmation Sources:

• Morung Express
• Aaj TV
• India Today
• Organiser
• Dawn
• Voice PK