Islamabad, March 1 – The human rights group, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), has urged authorities to ensure the safety of Sarwar Masih and his family, and to ensure justice for those accused of using blasphemy allegations to justify the illegal occupation of the Christian family’s property. HRFP demanded an impartial investigation into the matter and the bringing of those responsible to justice, according to a report.
"A Christian family is allegedly being threatened with blasphemy charges after their land was reportedly seized by a Muslim neighbor in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Since February 23, Sarwar Masih and his family have been facing serious threats after their neighbor allegedly warned them that they would be accused of blasphemy if they attempted to regain possession of their property," the Eurasia Review report stated.
According to HRFP, the perpetrators allegedly used blasphemy laws to facilitate unlawful land grabbing. They called on the authorities to ensure the protection of Masih and his family and to conduct an impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
"Following the alleged unlawful occupation of the property, the occupants reportedly displayed religious banners, Quranic verses, and images of Medina (Islam's holy city) at the property, apparently to frame the dispute as a religious issue. Sarwar Masih, his wife, and his brother told HRFP that they are under direct threat of blasphemy accusations if they attempt to reclaim their property," the Eurasia Review report stated.
Masih and his family expressed fears that any attempt to remove the religious banners could escalate tensions and endanger not only their family but also the wider Christian community in the area. Witnesses, including a 5-year-old Muslim, Muhammad Shahid, confirmed that they have known the Christian family since childhood and that this property belongs to them, according to the Eurasia Review report.
Masih's family stated that the occupants had warned that if any individuals tried to remove the religious banners, they would be falsely accused of blasphemy and houses in the area would be set on fire. The occupants allegedly wrote a warning stating that any individual who attempts to open the door would be accused of desecrating Islamic content.
According to an investigation conducted by HRFP, Masih's family has lived on the property for over seven decades, with no prior legal disputes or court cases regarding ownership. The family stressed that the threat of blasphemy accusations was a significant barrier to seeking justice, citing previous incidents, where Christian homes were attacked and burned after similar allegations, the report said.
HRFP President Naveed Walter stated that the case showcases a disturbing pattern and cited similar cases in which blasphemy threats escalated into false accusations and attacks stemming from personal disputes, property conflicts, and workplace tensions, including incidents like the Faisalabad nurses’ case and the Jaranwala violence, according to the Eurasia Review report.
"This is not the first time that land grabbers have allegedly used threats of blasphemy accusations to silence Christian families and force them to abandon their homes. In many cases, victims are attacked or left isolated, fearful, and compelled to relocate rather than pursue justice,” Eurasia Review quoted Walter as saying.
He mentioned that police did not intervene or lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused during the alleged illegal occupation of Masih’s property. He stated, "The prevailing climate of fear surrounding blasphemy allegations often discourages timely action by authorities and community members."