Pakistan’s Unending Cycle of Anti-Christian Violence: Churches Burned, Bibles Desecrated, and Crosses Destroyed While Authorities Look Away

Image: Jihad Watch

For decades, Christians in Pakistan have endured a relentless wave of violence, prejudice, and systemic injustice. From burning homes to the destruction of churches, the desecration of the Holy Bible, and the smashing of the Christian cross, extremist mobs have repeatedly attacked not just the people but also the sacred symbols of their faith. Such actions are neither random nor isolated—they form part of an organized, deep-seated campaign to intimidate, weaken, and terrorize the Christian community, depriving them of safety, dignity, and religious freedom.

The Jaranwala Tragedy: An Orchestrated Assault

One of the most shocking incidents in recent history occurred in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023. It began when a local Muslim woman accused two Christian brothers of desecrating the Quran. The rumor, like sparks in dry grass, spread rapidly through the community. Within hours, enraged mobs—spurred on by extremist elements—unleashed a wave of destruction.

Twenty-six churches were set ablaze, over 400 Christian homes were reduced to ashes, and thousands of Holy Bibles, Christian books, and crosses were burned. What unfolded that day was not merely mob anger—it was a coordinated act of religious hatred, fueled by propaganda and emboldened by state inaction.

While local police officials, including ASP Bilal Saleri, attempted to form a peace committee in the early hours, the violence had already begun spreading in multiple areas. By 7:30 a.m., groups affiliated with the extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had started torching Christian properties at 15 to 20 locations. The attacks continued until 9 p.m., with no effective intervention to stop them.

Delayed Response and Complicit Silence

Although paramilitary Rangers were called at 11 a.m., they did not arrive until 5 p.m.—despite their headquarters being only 20 minutes away. By then, thousands of Christians had fled to fields or taken shelter in relatives’ homes, desperately trying to protect their families from assault and their women from abduction.

This pattern is not new. From Shanti Nagar to Gojra and now Jaranwala, justice has been elusive. In Gojra, nine Christians were burned alive. In countless other incidents, churches were desecrated, homes destroyed, and Bibles burned—yet not one of these cases has seen meaningful prosecution or punishment for the perpetrators. Even in Jaranwala, those arrested were released within 48 hours. Weak First Information Reports (FIRs), lack of evidence collection, and deliberate negligence ensured that the culprits walked free.

The Culture of Impunity

Extremist leaders have openly encouraged young men to burn crosses, Bibles, and Christian homes, assuring them that such crimes would only result in minor charges and quick release. This poisonous message has normalized violence against Christians as an act of religious devotion. The state’s failure to enforce the law has created a “law of the jungle” in which mob rule overshadows the rights of minorities.

A haunting question remains: were the police unwilling to stop the mobs because they feared backlash from extremist groups—or because they quietly sympathized with them? The absence of decisive action by senior officials points to a disturbing truth: the state’s silence is not mere neglect but, at times, an unspoken approval.

The Hollow Promise of Interfaith Harmony

In Pakistan, calls for “interfaith dialogue” emerge only after major tragedies. Politicians, religious leaders, and NGOs gather for photo sessions, peace conferences, and distribution of temporary, mostly non-cash aid. These symbolic gestures create a façade of unity, but they fail to address the root causes of violence.

This performative model of “harmony” has existed for decades, accelerating after 9/11 when attacks on minorities intensified. Yet, despite peace committees and public condemnations, there has been no genuine attempt to empower Christian voices, reform discriminatory laws, or hold perpetrators accountable. Christians remain token participants in these committees, excluded from meaningful decision-making and barred from challenging state institutions.

Legal Protections Ignored

Pakistan’s Constitution theoretically safeguards minority rights through Articles 20, 25, and 36, promising freedom of religion, equality before the law, and protection of minority interests. In reality, these constitutional guarantees remain unfulfilled. The police and judiciary consistently fail to uphold justice for Christian victims, while hate-filled sermons, biased curricula, and sectarian propaganda continue to incite violence.

The Burden of Silence on the Victims

Whenever Christians are attacked—whether through false blasphemy accusations, forced conversions, or the destruction of their property—they are urged to remain patient, promote peace, and avoid retaliation. This burden is unfairly placed on the victims, while the majority community faces no pressure to reform attitudes, curb extremism, or respect the rights of minorities.

In truly democratic and developed nations, interfaith dialogue is built on equality, mutual respect, and institutional backing. In Pakistan, it is a crisis-management tool—a way to cool public anger without addressing the systemic rot that fuels repeated attacks.

A Call for Genuine Change

If interfaith harmony is to be more than a public-relations exercise, it must be redefined. It should be rooted in justice, equality, and real accountability. Minorities must be given equal representation and decision-making power. Hate speech and incitement must be met with firm legal consequences.

Until that happens, “interfaith dialogue” in Pakistan will remain a legalized form of silence and oppression—a mask that hides ongoing persecution while offering the illusion of peace.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)