Sargodha Incident: Christian Leaders Call for Justice & Protection

Islamabad: A protest demonstration was held on June 4, 2024, outside the Press Club in Islamabad, condemning the brutal murder of Nazir Masih in the Sargodha incident. The protest was attended by prominent figures, including: Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Priests & religious sisters, Bishop Samuel Azariah, Church of Pakistan, Pastor Samuel Titus, Mr. Tahir Khalil Sandhu, MPA/Minorities, Senator Farhat Ullah Babar, Mr. Amir, Dawn News and members of civil society also joined the protest.

While addressing, Archbishop Joseph Arshad strongly condemned the Sargodha incident, saying: We stand in solidarity with the grieving family and demand justice. However, such violent incidents have increased in our society in recent years. The Christian community is still reeling from the Jaranwala incident, and now this Sargodha tragedy has occurred. Such events sow seeds of discord and hatred among nations and therefore, we demand that the government of Pakistan take stern action against those involved in this incident. They must be punished severely to prevent such incidents from happening again in our society. Until those who spread hate and level false accusations are punished, such incidents will not be prevented. We urge the government to take concrete steps to ensure justice and protection for minority communities.

Bishop Samuel Azariah said that whoever has committed this wrong must be punished. By delivering justice, it will help to establish a peaceful atmosphere in our society. Intolerance is on the rise in our society and we need to control it.

Also Read: Alleged Desecration of Holy Quran in Sargodha

Pastor Samuel Titus said that we Christian are peace lovers, but not weak. We are not imported from anywhere; we are from this land. We demand that the government punish those involved in this incident.

On 3rd June 2024, a Christian man namely, Nazir Masih (alias Lazar Masih) who was rescued by the Police from a lynch mob in Sargodha on 25th May, succumbed to his injuries and laid to rest at Mujahid Colony, Sargodha. The victim was attacked by a mob that also targeted the homes of the Christian community in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha.

Also Read: Islamic Council urged special courts to probe Sargodha incident

The Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference also has vehemently condemned the brutal murder of Nazir Masih, a Christian man killed in Sargodha. In an official statement, Bishop Samson Shukardin, the Conference’s President, expressed profound sorrow and grief over the loss. He also criticized the systemic issues and structural flaws that perpetuate such violent incidents, highlighting the need for concrete actions to protect religious minorities. Bishop Shukardin urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of minority communities, and to guarantee justice for Nazir Masih and all victims of similar violence.

Also Read: Sargodha Mourns: Nazir Masih laid to rest

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