PAKISTAN: Police Allegedly Force Christian Man to Swear on Bible for FIR Registration

In a concerning incident that has raised serious questions about the treatment of religious minorities, a Christian man in Faisalabad was allegedly forced by police to swear on the Bible in order to have his First Information Report (FIR) registered.

The incident occurred in the Sahianwala area, where Patras Masih, a local resident, reported a theft at his uncle’s house. According to Masih, police officers took him to a church late at night and compelled him to take an oath on the Bible, verifying the details of the stolen items he had mentioned in his application. This act was recorded on video by one of the police officers present, further aggravating the situation.

The video, which shows Masih holding both the Bible and his FIR application, quickly went viral, sparking outrage across the community and prompting the involvement of senior police officials. City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad, Kamran Adil, took immediate notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry. As a result, the police constable who recorded the video, identified as Atif Masih, was suspended, and a show-cause notice was issued to Station House Officer, Muhammad Afzal of Sahianwala.

“This is a serious violation of rights,” said CPO Faisalabad Kamran Adil. “No citizen should be subjected to such treatment, regardless of their religion or background. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this matter.”

The incident has also raised broader concerns about the systemic issues affecting religious minorities in Pakistan. Community leaders have called for swift action and urged the authorities to set a precedent to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The case is currently under investigation, with Superintendent of Police Madina Town appointed to lead the inquiry. The findings are expected to be submitted soon, and the public is keenly awaiting the outcome. This event underscores the need for sensitivity in handling cases involving religious minorities and highlights the ongoing challenges they face in seeking justice in Pakistan.