A Christian family in Gujranwala has reportedly been threatened with blasphemy accusations after their property was allegedly seized by a Muslim neighbour.
Since 23 February, Sarwar Masih and his family claim they have faced serious threats after their neighbour allegedly warned that blasphemy charges would be filed if they attempted to reclaim possession of their home.
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has called for the immediate protection of the family and urged authorities to ensure justice against those accused of exploiting blasphemy allegations to justify the unlawful occupation of the property.
According to HRFP, the alleged perpetrators appear to have used Pakistan’s blasphemy laws as a tool to facilitate illegal land grabbing. The organisation is calling on authorities to provide security for the Masih family, conduct an impartial investigation, and hold those responsible accountable.
Following the reported occupation, the new occupants allegedly displayed religious banners, Quranic verses, and images of Madina, Islam’s holy city, seemingly to frame the dispute as a religious matter.
Sarwar Masih, his wife, and his brother told HRFP that they are under direct threat of blasphemy accusations should they attempt to reclaim their property. They expressed concern that any effort to remove the religious banners could inflame tensions and endanger not only their family but also the wider Christian community in the area.
Witnesses, including a 50-year-old Muslim neighbour, Muhammad Shahid, informed HRFP that they have known the Masih family since childhood and confirmed the property belongs to them.
The family further alleged that the occupants threatened to falsely accuse anyone of blasphemy who tried to remove the banners and warned that houses in the area would be set alight if action was taken. They reportedly also posted a notice stating that anyone attempting to open the door would be accused of desecrating Islamic material.
HRFP’s investigation found that the Masih family has lived on the property for more than 70 years and that there have been no prior legal disputes or court cases regarding ownership.
The family described the threat of blasphemy accusations as a major obstacle to seeking justice, pointing to previous incidents in which Christian homes were attacked or burned following similar allegations.
Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, said the case reflects a troubling pattern.
“This is not the first time 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, isolated, and compelled to relocate rather than pursue justice,” he said.
Walter referred to previous incidents in which blasphemy allegations escalated into violence arising from personal disputes, property conflicts, and workplace tensions, including the Faisalabad nurses’ case and violence in Jaranwala.
He further alleged that during the reported occupation, police failed to intervene and did not register a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused.
“The prevailing climate of fear surrounding blasphemy allegations often discourages timely action by authorities and community members,” Walter added.
HRFP highlighted that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, particularly Sections 295-A, 295-B, and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, have long been criticised by human rights advocates for alleged misuse and for disproportionately affecting religious minorities.
The organisation called for comprehensive state-level reforms, including safeguards against false accusations, immediate protection mechanisms for vulnerable communities, and procedural reforms to prevent abuse of the law.
HRFP urged authorities to ensure immediate protection for Sarwar Masih and his family, conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged land grabbing and threats, hold those responsible accountable, and introduce broader legal and institutional reforms to prevent exploitation of blasphemy laws in similar cases.
Blasphemy laws are frequently alleged to be misused to settle personal disputes, particularly against religious minorities, including Christians in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province.
HRFP reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of marginalised communities and called upon civil society, the media, and state authorities to ensure justice and protection for all citizens, regardless of faith, in line with the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.