Pakistan Christians Face Deadly New Year As Church Vandalized And Father Of Three Killed

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – New Year celebrations for Pakistan’s Christian minority have been overshadowed by the killing of a Christian father of three, the vandalism of a church, and renewed fears that strict Islamic blasphemy laws could fuel further violence against religious minorities.

Police said a suspect was arrested after Tak Memorial Church in Preme Nagar village near Raiwind, in Pakistan’s eastern Kasur area, was vandalized late Sunday. The attacker damaged the church’s minaret, broke the cross, and desecrated a Bible, according to footage obtained by Worthy News.

Authorities deployed additional security around the church as investigations continued into whether others were involved. The incident has left the local Christian community fearful, especially amid past attacks linked to religious extremism.

Pastor Imran Amanat of advocacy group LEAD Ministries condemned the vandalism as a violation of Christians’ right to worship freely, while thanking police for the swift arrest of a suspect. He urged authorities to ensure lasting protection for minority communities.

Separately, police confirmed that the first murder of 2026 involved a Christian worker, deepening concerns among rights advocates.

CHURCH ATTACK, MURDER SPARK FEARS

Kashif Masih, a brick-kiln laborer and part-time computer and mobile phone shop worker from Longowal village in Sheikhupura, was found dead with his hands and feet bound after going missing overnight, Christians said. He leaves behind a wife and three young children. Police confirmed a murder investigation is underway.

Human rights advocates say the killing reflects a broader pattern of intimidation and attacks against Christians in Pakistan.

Christian human rights lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, described the killing as “a painful reminder of the dangers minority communities continue to face.” He urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and strengthen safeguards for religious minorities.

Christians believe both incidents point to wider risks, noting that violence has repeatedly erupted against them following allegations of blasphemy against Islam, the country’s dominant religion.

Gill also condemned Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, calling them “a modern sword in the hands of Islamists,” used to silence critics, intimidate dissidents, and justify mob violence, arson, and killings.

BLASPHEMY LAWS CALLED ‘WEAPONS’

Gill said legal provisions intended to protect “religious harmony” have instead been weaponized against Christians and other minorities. He warned that unproven accusations alone can trigger mob attacks, prolonged detention, and the destruction of entire communities.

He called for the repeal of the most severe clauses and for strict penalties against false accusations.

Gill is among several rights defenders demanding legal reforms, including clearer definitions of blasphemy and protection for judges, lawyers, journalists, and the accused. Until safeguards are introduced, he warned, the laws will remain “weapons, not shields.”

Pakistan ranks among the world’s most dangerous countries for Christians, placed around seventh globally on the latest World Watch List compiled by advocacy group Open Doors, which tracks persecution of Christians worldwide. It says the ranking reflects widespread abuse linked to blasphemy laws, forced conversions, mob violence, and systemic discrimination.

Christians comprise roughly two percent of Pakistan’s population, numbering an estimated 4 to 5 million people in a nation of more than 240 million, according to church and rights groups.

Despite fear and grief, Christian families say they are determined to continue practicing their faith, while advocacy groups appealed for international prayer and pressure to help protect Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities, including Christians.

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