In recent years, the persecution of Christians in Pakistan has intensified, particularly in the area of church planting. Extremist Muslims are accused of targeting new churches and pressuring authorities to close worship spaces. A deeply troubling example of this occurred recently in Essa Nagri Christian Colony, Jaranwala, where a local church, the Outreach Church of Jesus, was forcibly shut down following continuous threats from extremist Muslims. This incident is being seen as part of a broader trend in which church planting efforts across Pakistan are increasingly targeted and obstructed by religious extremists. 

The church, established a year and a half ago by Pastor Zahid Sarfraz, had been under pressure since its inception. Pastor Zahid reports that two local Muslim individuals, Haji Waqas and Muhammad Babar, have consistently opposed the church’s presence in the community. These individuals, according to Pastor Zahid, not only harassed him and his congregation but also threatened to shut down services. Eventually, they involved local police, who forcibly closed the church. 

More disturbingly, after the forced closure, these individuals began pressuring Pastor Zahid to remove the cross from the church building — a symbol central to the Christian faith. Pastor Zahid shared that this threat is not only coming from outside the community but also from within. Some local Christian pastors, driven by jealousy and personal vendettas, have joined hands with the Muslim extremists to force the closure of the church. These pastors allegedly took part in a local jirga (tribal council), siding with those demanding that the cross be taken down and the church remain closed. 

This internal betrayal has added another painful layer to the already difficult situation. Rather than finding support from fellow leaders in faith, Pastor Zahid has found opposition. He revealed that even the members of his congregation are suffering. One church member, for instance, was recently told to vacate their rented home because of their involvement with the church. 

This pattern is not new. The Jaranwala tragedy of 2023 serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by Christians in Pakistan. That incident saw dozens of churches attacked and Christian homes burned to the ground following false blasphemy accusations. The current situation involving Pastor Zahid and his church appears to be following a similarly dangerous trajectory. 

LEAD Ministries, a Christian advocacy and human rights organization in Pakistan, has strongly condemned the closure of the church and the ongoing harassment of its members. Pastor Imran Amanat, a leader of LEAD Ministries, expressed grave concern over the situation. He stated that church planting efforts are being deliberately obstructed by extremist Muslim elements who are unwilling to tolerate the peaceful spread of Christianity in Pakistan. 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, the founder of LEAD Ministries, also criticized the role of certain Christian pastors who are using personal jealousy and rivalry as tools to sabotage another pastor’s ministry. He called this behavior shameful and emphasized that such internal divisions only strengthen those who seek to persecute the Christian community. 

LEAD Ministries is now calling on the government of Pakistan, law enforcement agencies, and international human rights organizations to take this matter seriously. They are demanding protection for Pastor Zahid, his church, and its members, and the upholding of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion. They warn that if such issues are ignored, Pakistan risks witnessing another tragedy like Jaranwala. 

This incident is not merely a local dispute; it represents a growing challenge to religious freedom and minority rights in Pakistan. Christians, who make up less than 2% of the population, continue to face intimidation, social discrimination, and violence. When peaceful efforts to plant churches are met with police action, threats, and internal betrayal, it sends a chilling message to the entire community. 

In conclusion, the forced closure of the Outreach Church of Jesus and the threats against Pastor Zahid Sarfraz reflect a much broader and systemic problem. Church planting—a fundamental part of Christian mission—is under attack in Pakistan. Unless immediate steps are taken by authorities to protect minority rights, uphold the rule of law, and punish those who incite hatred and violence, the space for peaceful religious expression in the country will continue to shrink.