Narang Mandi, Pakistan:  Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has strongly condemned a mob violence, arson, and threats against members of the Christian community in Narang Mandi, Sheikhupura District, Pakistan, following a blasphemy allegation against Kamran Gill Masih, a Christian man who has been arrested by police.

According to information received by HRFP Fact Findings team, Kamran Gill Masih was accused of sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media. Following the allegation, his traditional medical clinic, which was attached to his residence and included a small pharmacy, was set on fire. Members of the local Christian community were also forced to flee their homes amid fears of further violence.

HRFP expressed grave concern over the attacks and the immediate threats facing the affected individuals and families, emphasizing that allegations of blasphemy must never be used to justify violence, intimidation, arson, or collective punishment.

As tensions escalate First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Narang Police Station on October 9, 2026, following a complaint filed by a local resident, Raees Ahmed. The complaint alleges that Kamran Gill Masih uploaded and shared a video containing material considered offensive to Prophet Muhammad and his family.

The FIR cites Sections 295-A, 298, and 298-A of Pakistan’s Penal Code, alongside provisions identified in the available information as Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law and Section 29-D of the Telegraph Act. The precise statutory references and their applicability require verification against the FIR and relevant legal records.

HRFP stresses that the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination. An accusation does not establish guilt, and every accused person is entitled to due process, legal representation, and a fair trial. No individual or group has the right to impose punishment outside the law.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, strongly condemned the violence and urged the government, police, and local administration to take immediate and effective measures to protect Kamran Gill Masih, his family, and the wider Christian community.

“No allegation can justify mob violence, arson, intimidation, or collective punishment. Every person, regardless of religion or belief, has the right to life, security, dignity, and a fair trial. Allegations of blasphemy must never become a pretext for attacking individuals, destroying property, or terrorizing religious minorities,” Naveed Walter stated.

He emphasized that determining guilt is the responsibility of the courts, not mobs or individuals acting outside the law.

“The authorities must ensure that Kamran Gill Masih receives due process, access to legal counsel, and a fair and impartial trial. Equally important, the state must fulfil its responsibility to protect his family and the affected Christian community from threats, harassment, and further violence. The safety of vulnerable individuals must not be compromised by public pressure or unsubstantiated accusations,” Naveed Walter added.

HRFP warned that mob violence following blasphemy accusations poses a serious threat to religious freedom, public safety, social cohesion, and the rule of law in Pakistan. Such incidents create fear among religious minorities, threaten the safety of entire communities, and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

HRFP urges authorities to protect threatened individuals and communities, investigate reported violence and hold perpetrators accountable, ensure due process and fair trials, assist displaced families, prevent further violence and inflammatory content, and promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

“Protecting religious minorities is a fundamental responsibility of the state and an essential requirement for upholding constitutional rights, equality, and the rule of law. Government institutions must act impartially and decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of religious identity or belief,” Walter emphasized.

He also urged political and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders to reject violence and collective punishment and to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

“Justice cannot be delivered through mob pressure, threats, or violence. Every citizen, particularly members of vulnerable religious minorities, must be able to live safely and exercise their fundamental rights without fear of persecution. All allegations must be addressed through lawful judicial procedures, and every reported act of violence must be investigated impartially,” Naveed Walter stated further.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan stated that its fact-finding team is working on the ground to gather further information, verify available evidence, and assess the circumstances surrounding the allegations and violence. The team is also assessing the immediate protection needs of affected individuals and families, including those facing threats, intimidation, or displacement.

HRFP underscored the importance of establishing the facts through an independent and impartial process, protecting those at risk, and ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate assistance without discrimination.

The organization called on the relevant authorities to respond without delay, prevent further harm, investigate all violations, and ensure accountability in accordance with the law.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan stands firmly for equality, religious freedom, human dignity, and the protection of fundamental human rights. HRFP reiterates that no allegation can justify mob violence and that no citizen should be subjected to violence, intimidation, or discrimination because of their religious identity or beliefs.

“The rule of law must prevail over mob justice. Protecting every individual from violence, safeguarding religious minorities, and ensuring justice without discrimination are essential to building a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic society”.