Acid attacks scar 13 Christians as 600 Muslims firebomb their village, vandalising at least 117 homes as police again fail to intervene

One household, seen above, had their door smashed in and their walls painted with Islamic proclamations.

On Tuesday 30 June, around 600 Muslims used petrol bombs to attack at least 117 Christian homes in Bahmani Walla, a village in Punjab, Pakistan. 117 houses were vandalised and 48 properties were damaged by fire, water pumps were sabotaged and Christians who returned home the following day found they had no electricity.

The violence was seemingly caused by an incident on Monday night, in which a Christian man driving a tractor requested that a Muslim man riding a motorcycle allow him to pass. The request was refused and a disagreement ensued. News of this was spread along with allegations of blasphemy against Islam. In the next few hours a mob of about 600 Muslims congregated in Bahmani Walla and began to attack the Christians living there.

Vehicles owned by Christians were burnt or stolen. Jewellery and cash were also taken. The following day a boycott was in force against many of the Christian businesses in Bahmani Walla.

Damage caused by the Muslim mob to Christian homes

The most disturbing development was the throwing of acid at the Christians as they fled. At least nine women and four children have been injured.

Pakistani Muslims are very sensitive to the issue of blasphemy and the law on blasphemy has no punishment for false accusation, although it carries a death sentence for defiling the name of Muhammad.

Now many Christians need accommodation until their homes are habitable. Some are being housed through projects that we support, but there is not sufficient room for all in need.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, says, “Please pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Bahmani Walla who have suffered in this shocking attack, pray that the authorities will investigate thoroughly and bring to justice the perpetrators. Please also give if you are able to meet the urgent practical needs of the victims.”

Christian residents of Bahmani Walla

"The King will reply, `Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.`” (Matthew 25:40, TNIV)

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