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

18 September 2024

Source: CLASS-UK

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.

EXPLORE THE GLOBAL PRAYER GUIDE

Learn about global persecution trends and what it means to follow Christ in restricted and hostile nations.

Learn more

Stay informed

Receive weekly emails with the latest prayer points from the persecuted church

    Pray for them

    Pray for the ongoing investigation in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to use this situation to set a precedent for protection against discrimination for believers in Pakistan.

    Thank God that this situation has been escalated to higher authorities in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to assist them as they pursue justice for the FIR and ongoing trials faced by believers in this nation.

    Pray that God would strengthen Pakistani believers as they face ongoing trials for their faith.

    Recent News

    IRAN: Convert Given 10-Year Sentence for “Propagating Christianity” Read more
    PAKISTAN: Young Christian Woman Seeks Justice after Rape Read more
    INDIA: Police Watch as Mob Attacks 14 Christians Read more

    Submit a Prayer

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Join our community

    @vomaustralia @vomau