Two years on from the worst outbreak of violence against Christians in Pakistan’s 78-year history, church leaders have said justice has still not been served.
Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad, speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), said Christians in Punjab’s Jaranwala district are “furious” that none of the thousands accused of violence have been convicted. The August 2023 attacks destroyed 26 churches, 80 homes, priests’ houses, halls and even gravestones.
Of the 5,213 people accused in connection with the atrocity, more than 380 were arrested. Many were later released on bail, and to date there have been no convictions. Last June, Faisalabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court acquitted all 10 men accused of burning one of the churches.
“What’s changed over the last two years since the attacks is that people have now become ready to fight for their rights,” Bishop Indrias said. “They say we should shout and scream. Justice has not been done. The police have not done their duty.”
Christians have also expressed anger that the only people to receive sentences so far have been Christians themselves. Several men, including Rocky and Raja Masih, were accused of blasphemy in connection with the desecration of the Qur’an, which triggered the violence. Although later acquitted, another Christian, Pervaiz Masih, was sentenced to death in April for allegedly committing blasphemy and framing Raja.
Father Khalid Rashid Asi, Director of the National Commission for Justice and Peace in Faisalabad, said threats from extremists continue to intimidate Christians. “Our people are afraid because the Muslim terrorists and fundamentalists are very strong. The threats are there. After two years, they are still waiting for justice,” he told ACN.
The violence in Jaranwala continues to cast a shadow, with many victims still struggling. Although damaged buildings have mostly been repaired, Bishop Indrias and Fr Khalid said some of the work was of poor quality, and families remain traumatised.
The community’s sense of outrage deepened this week after a cleric’s viral speech described churches as “heaps of filth,” sparking condemnation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, which called the remarks “deeply derogatory.”
Despite the ongoing injustice, Bishop Indrias pointed to “reasons for hope.” He expressed gratitude to ACN for supporting survivors with food parcels, household items and rebuilding efforts.
On the anniversary of the violence on 16th August, Bishop Indrias led a blessing and rededication service at St John’s Catholic Church in Jaranwala, one of the churches badly damaged in the attacks.
Christians in Pakistan, who make up just 1.8 per cent of the population, face disproportionate persecution, with around a quarter of blasphemy accusations directed at them.
Although the death penalty for blasphemy is rarely enforced, allegations often spark mob violence and killings, such as the 2024 murder of 73-year-old Lazar.Christian women and girls are especially at risk of abduction, forced marriage, sexual violence, and coerced conversion.
Pakistan is 8th on the Open Doors 2025 World Watch List which ranks 50 countires where Christians face the most persecution.
